PARR (1893-1969) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Printmaker: LUKTA QIATSUQ (1928-2004) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Dog Teams, 1963 #43
stonecut, 17 x 24.25 in (43.2 x 61.6 cm)
26/50
$3,750
The master printmaker Lukta Qiatsuq has skilfully reproduced the texture of the dogs’ fur coats onto the stone block to closely resemble the fevered graphite lines of Parr’s drawing style (see Two Figures, Two Dogs and a Seal and Hunter with Animals). The texturing contrasts sharply with the solid rendering of the sleds, making the dogs the focus of our attention. The feeling of spontaneity in Dog Teams is due as much to the stone cutting technique as it is to the action of the animals themselves.
Parr’s composition is both dense and teeming with energy. The scene is closely packed with two teams of sled dogs (and one dog apparently running loose). Note, however, that the figures of the dogs almost touch each other but never overlap—this is one of Parr’s stylistic trademarks. Also noteworthy in this drawing is the particularly sensitive depiction of the dogs themselves; with tails raised, and their snouts straining forward, the animals’ excitement and effort is palpable.