While many of the greatest Inuit sculptors have been interviewed and their thoughts preserved for posterity, the sad fact remains that once they have shuffled off this mortal coil, they are no longer available to answer questions about their art. This does not present a challenge when dealing with subject matter for which the artist was renowned, but when presented with atypical works, one wishes that their creator could be consulted. Such is the case with this striking sculpture by Johnny Inukpuk.

This work has previously been described as depicting a young girl happening upon, and being surprised by, a hibernating bear. Polar bears do not hibernate, and while this woman appears youthful, she is not a young girl. What are the other possibilities? We do know that Johnny Inukpuk occasionally depicted stories; see First Arts, 5 December 2022, Lot 74 for the intriguing Story in Stone. There is an Inuit legend of a woman who encountered a motherless polar bear cub and adopted it as her own. Is it possible that Inukpuk is presenting us with a scene from that story? The small scale of the bear’s head suggests that it is not a mature animal, though we admit it does look fierce – in which case the woman’s surprise is completely understandable. It may also be the case that Inukpuk is illustrating an unusual but real-life incident.

Regardless of the meaning of this fascinating image, we should note that the woman Inukpuk chose as the model for the sculpture is almost certainly the artist’s wife Mary; her cleft lip is clearly visible, and her other physical traits match many of the artist’s portraits of her (see First Arts, 12 July 2020, Lot 24, and 13 July 2021, Lot 53, for example). The woman’s oversize hands, her hairstyle, and her clothing are classic Inukpuk from the mid-late 1960s.

One of the marks of a successful work of art is that it provokes thought and discussion. In this regard, Inukpuk has certainly accomplished these goals. This compelling sculpture shows Inukpuk still at the height of his powers, delivering strong proportions, interesting detail, and impactful subject matter. One could look at this piece and contemplate for hours!