Muskoxen really are quite remarkable animals; contrary to what their name implies, they are actually more closely related to sheep and goats than to oxen. Inuit call the animal umingmak (“the bearded one”). Anguhadluq takes anatomical liberties with this version by streamlining and beautifully attenuating its form. And in using his trademark mixed perspective, Anguhadluq has thoughtfully allowed us to appreciate the animal’s elegant set of horns. This solitary Muskox is masterfully cut and printed by Thomas Sivuraq in a striking blue, yellow, and green palette. Sivuraq, too, has taken liberties by simplifying and stylizing Anguhadluq’s energetic treatment of the animal’s shaggy hair. Although there is no hint of a background setting, we can see that the animal is peacefully grazing. Gorgeous.

References: The best introduction to the art and life of Anguhadluq is Cynthia Waye Cook, From the Centre: The Drawings of Luke Anguhadluq, (Toronto: Art Gallery of Ontario, 1993) and Marion E, Jackson, et. al, Qamanittuaq: Where the River Widens, (Guelph, ON: Macdonald Stewart Art Centre, 1995) as well as Marion E. Jackson, Baker Lake Inuit Drawings: A Study in the Evolution of Artistic Self-Consciousness, University of Michigan, PhD Dissertation, 1985; See also First Arts, Paper Pushers: Drawings from Qamani’tuaq, 11 May 2021.