Annie Piklak Taipanak’s name usually conjures visions of densely stitched scenes that are heavy with layers of thread. In the early days of her textile work however (perhaps in an effort to not immediately follow in the footsteps of her mother, Elizabeth Angrnaqquaq) Annie had a more reserved use of thread, but her pieces were no less impactful for it. In this work we are treated to her trademarked repetition of form, as spirit after spirit is carefully placed and mirrored across the work. Annie’s use of variegated thread on their collars has been carefully applied to continue the mirroring, creating little punches of colours and lightness amongst the red. The spirit’s expressions are subtly varied, each with an open mouth and wide eyes that suggest a chorus of unheard voices. The effect is one of presence, as though the work meets the viewer’s gaze as intently as it is observed.

AC

References: For more works by the artist, see First Arts, 12 June 2023, Lot 48; First Arts, 13 July 2021, Lot 68; and Walker’s Auctions, Ottawa, May 2017, Lot 91.