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Artworks
MIRIAM NANURLUQ QIYUK (1933-2016) QAMANI'TUAQ (BAKER LAKE)
Together (Family Sleeping), 1984stone, 1.75 x 8.5 x 6 in (4.4 x 21.6 x 15.2 cm)
signed, "M QIYUK".LOT 72
ESTIMATE: $2,500 — $3,500Further images
Miriam Qiyuk is famous for her charming depictions of families in various configurations: mothers and children; families in boats; long rows of figures posed as if for a family photo;...Miriam Qiyuk is famous for her charming depictions of families in various configurations: mothers and children; families in boats; long rows of figures posed as if for a family photo; and nude sleeping couples. The latter are among this artist’s favourite and most endearing subjects. They express affection and the simple pleasure of togetherness rather than eroticism. This subject matter is beautifully suited to Qiyuk’s preference for carving horizontal rather than vertical compositions. Robert Kardosh gives a lengthy appreciation of this work in the Vision and Form catalogue (see Publications), and rightfully so. The sculpture is an unusual example, depicting either three sleeping couples or one couple in three positions. Sensitively carved in rustic yet gorgeous high relief, Sleeping Figures is one of our favourite Miriam Qiyuk sculptures of all time.
References: For other examples of this charming theme by Miriam Qiyuk see First Arts, 30 November 2021, Lot 6; Walker’s Auctions, November 2012, Lot 39; May 2013, Lot 40; and November 2013, Lot 254. See also Ingo Hessel, Inuit Art: An Introduction, (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 1998), fig. 44 for an example that relates to the Kiviuk legend. For other fine sculptures by Mirriam Qiyuk see First Arts, 10 June 2024, Lot 70; First Arts, 1 December 2020, Lot 30; Darlene Coward Wight, Creation and Transformation: Defining Moments in Inuit Art, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2012), cat. 90.
Provenance
Norman Zepp and Judith Varga Collection, Saskatoon;
Marion Scott Gallery, Vancouver;
Acquired from the above by John and Joyce Price, Seattle, WA.
Exhibitions
Vancouver, Marion Scott Gallery, Vision and Form: The Norman Zepp - Judith Varga Collection of Inuit Art, cat. no. 97.Publications
Robert Kardosh, Vision and Form: The Norman Zepp - Judith Varga Collection of Inuit Art, exh.cat., (Vancouver: Marion Scott Gallery, 2003), p. 125, cat. no. 97
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