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Artworks
VITAL MAKPAAQ (1922-1978) QAMANI’TUAQ (BAKER LAKE)
Running Man, c. early 1970sstone, 5.5 x 5 x 3.25 in (14 x 12.7 x 8.3 cm) without later added base,
signed and inscribed with artist's disc number, "ᒪᐸ E2-120",
further inscribed, "ᑭᒪᓂ[?] / 2626", (obscured by peg).7$ 800.00Further images
Vital Makpaaq was among the first in Qamani'tuaq to try his hand at carving in the early 1960s and was flagged by Bill Larmour as one of the settlement's most...Vital Makpaaq was among the first in Qamani'tuaq to try his hand at carving in the early 1960s and was flagged by Bill Larmour as one of the settlement's most gifted artists [1]. Although he was not as prolific as some of his fellow carvers, Makpaaq was adept at carving and polishing the somewhat unforgiving stone of the region. The dynamic and realistic look and feel of Running Man remind us of Makpaaq’s enthusiastic participation in the early Qamani'tuaq printmaking experiments of 1965-66. Sadly, only two small prints by Makpaaq appeared in the first Qamani'tuaq annual graphics collection of 1970, and nothing more. However, we are happy to report that First Arts will be offering a fine 1966 experimental print in our Spring 2025 live auction. Running Man is an impressive and dynamic sculpture despite its modest size. It’s a lovely blend of simple, solid form with lifelike movement and a keen observer’s attention to detail.
1. Two works by Makpaaq are illustrated in William Larmour, ed., Eskimo Carvers of Keewatin N.W.T. (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery / Ottawa: Dept. of Northern Affairs and National Resources, 1964). The artist was also featured in both of George Swinton’s books (1965; 1972/92) and in the Sculpture/Inuit catalogue of 1971.Provenance
Galerie Elca London, Knowlton, QC.
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