Inventory # PCRE-07999-0019

PROVENANCE
Acquired in Inukjuak by the present Private Collection, Toronto, 1968

Johnny Inukpuk’s Mother Stretching a Kamik eloquently captures the essence of the maternal bond, a central theme among many Inuit artists. The sculpture depicts a busy mother crafting a kamik while her baby sits snuggly in her amauti. The image not only reminds us of the strength of familial bonds but emphasizes the essential role that mothers play as carriers of generational knowledge and wisdom.

Until the early 20th Century, Inuit relied on oral traditions for the transmission of their rich cultural heritage, as they did not have a written language at the time. The Mother and Child motif has profound significance, serving as the vital conduit through which the collective wisdom and heritage are preserved and transmitted across generations. In this depiction, the child, absorbing the cultural knowledge and values vital for survival as he sits in his mother’s amauti, visually symbolizes continuity, legacy and the promise of the future generation. A universal theme, the mother and child relationship is a narrative that resonates with viewers beyond the Inuit community. It speaks to the universal human experience of love and protection, and the passing down of cultural knowledge. Inukpuk brilliantly bridges the gap between cultures, inviting a global audience to connect with these shared emotions and values.

This is a particularly exceptional example by Inukpuk, whose largescale works from the late 1960s are among his most carefully crafted, detailed and sought after. The overly-rounded forms and flowing lines of the sculpture, definitive characterizations of Inukpuk’s œuvre, create a visual expression of tenderness and care. The choice to carve a subject inherently associated with love and affection from hard stone adds a poignant layer of material contrast. Amid the challenging conditions faced in the Arctic, this sculpture is a reminder of the warmth and emotional connection that sustains not just families, but cultural legacy.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars

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