Lot 17
PITSEOLAK ASHOONA, R.C.A., O.C., (1904-1983) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Printmaker: KANANGINAK POOTOOGOOK, R.C.A. (1935- 2010) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Festive Bird, 1970
stonecut, 23 1/2 x 33 1/2 in (59.7 x 85.1 cm)
5/50
ESTIMATE: $1,800 —$2,800
PRICE REALIZED: $2,280
This joyous print reminds us somewhat of Kenojuak’s “festive birds”; however Pitseolak’s drawing style tended to be exuberant and free, while Kenojuak’s was rather more structured, especially by the late 1960s. The bird itself practically disappears in the explosion of feathers. Seen another way, it might almost be transforming into a tundra plant; interestingly, it reminds us of the Baker Lake artist Ruth Qaulluaryuk’s gorgeous embroidered wall hangings.
This now famous print by Piteseolak was chosen to be the cover of the 1971 Cape Dorset print catalogue. It is also reproduced in Ernst Roch, ed., Arts of the Eskimo: Prints (Signum/Oxford 1974) p. 119.