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Artworks
HENRY EVALUARDJUK (1923-2007) IQALUIT (FROBISHER BAY)
Bear Climbing a Boulder, late 1970sstone, 4.5 x 4.25 x 3 in (11.4 x 10.8 x 7.6 cm)
signed, "HENRY / ᐃᕙᓗ ᐊᔪ".
LOT 12
ESTIMATE: $1,500 — $2,500
PRICE REALIZED: $4,320.00Further images
The preceding work (Lot 11) by Henry Evaluardjuk presents the viewer with a portrait of a bear as a powerful, fearsome predator. With this endearing sculpture however, Henry shows us...The preceding work (Lot 11) by Henry Evaluardjuk presents the viewer with a portrait of a bear as a powerful, fearsome predator. With this endearing sculpture however, Henry shows us a more sensitive side to his character. Clearly, he was equally at ease showing a more humorous side of the polar bear personality. This sculpture features a much younger and innocent bear cub exploring his environment and burning off some “puppy energy.” Evaluardjuk sensitively conveys the seemingly clumsy movements of a young bear not yet in full control of its physical movements yet nonetheless displaying curiosity and intelligence. Charming!
References: For a larger bear seated on a rock by Evaluardjuk, see First Arts, Toronto, 28 May 2019, Lot 22. For other bears by the artist see First Arts, 5 December. 2022, Lots 110, 136; First Arts, 30 November. 2021, Lot 92; Walker’s Auctions, 16 May 2018, Lot 118; Ken Mantel et al., Tuvaq: Inuit Art and the Modern World (Bristol, UK: Sansom and Company Ltd., 2010), fig. 144, p. 150, and fig. 148, p. 155.
Provenance
Private Collection, Ottawa;
Walker's Auction, Ottawa, 5 May 2018, Lot 1;
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Toronto.