This sculpture is compact and carefully balanced; its simplified form captures the essence of a bird, gleeful yet also restrained. In keeping with the sculptural style of Kinngait sculptor Latcholassie Akesuk, the subject is defined by outline, with detail held to a deliberate minimum. Here, the curve of the body, the slightest suggestion of wings, and the poised stance are underscored by Akesuk’s signature blocky bird feet, rather than naturalistic features such as incised lines defining feathers. While it has been titled Bird since its time in the Klamer Collection, the round face with defined eyes, nose, and mouth suggests that this was perhaps intended to be a transformation bird/human.

PF