-
Artworks
PITSEOLAK ASHOONA, R.C.A., O.C., (1904-1983) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Untitled Drawing (Birds, Walruses, and Fox Around the Rocks), 1966/67ink and coloured pencil on wove paper, 20 x 26 in (50.8 x 66 cm)
signed, "ᐱᓯᐅᓚ";
inscribed in graphite, verso, by the WBEC, "CD.027-4382bd-66/76 [sic]
LOT 45
ESTIMATE: $600 — $900Anchored by a triangular structure, Untitled Drawing (Birds, Walruses, Seals and a Fox Around the Rocks) unfolds around two broad, purple rock forms that rise sharply from a central base....Anchored by a triangular structure, Untitled Drawing (Birds, Walruses, Seals and a Fox Around the Rocks) unfolds around two broad, purple rock forms that rise sharply from a central base. They stretch upward like wings, shaping the composition and dividing the surface into symmetrical halves. At the bottom corners, a pair of green walruses face inward across a band of dark blue water. Their placement establishes a visual rhythm that continues upward. Between the rocks, two seals appear side by side, their rounded forms nestled in the crook of the landscape, with their reflections shown directly below.
At the peak, a green fox leaps through open space, bridging the two rocky forms and drawing the eye upward. Its colour matches that of the walruses, linking top and bottom through a shared palette. And of course, there are birds — birds in flight, birds perched, birds nesting — rendered in yellow, green, and black. Their presence is not incidental. They animate the composition with movement and variation, their forms distributed carefully across the structure.
The drawing brims with Arctic life, each animal distinct and carefully placed. The energy of the composition is matched by the intensity of Pitseolak’s line work, which darts and zags across the page.
Provenance
Collection of John and Joyce Price, Seattle.
Join our mailing list
* denotes required fields
We will process the personal data you have supplied in accordance with our privacy policy (available on request). You can unsubscribe or change your preferences at any time by clicking the link in our emails.