Cape Dorset,
1994
Stone, antler,
H 40.6cm
COMMENTS
There are several sculptures depicting a drum dancer in this collection, and this large sculpture by Pootoogook Jaw is the most expressive. The figure is capturedmid-dance, one foot lifted while his drum is raised, his beater about to move and his mouth open in song. In traditional drum dancing, the dancer sings as he jumps about in a circle, bending down low and then throwing his head up in time to the beat. A brilliant sculptor, Jaw captures the moment with an energetic and vibrant overall composition enlivened by themasterful handling of the curves and owingedges of the parka.
Qikiqtaaluk/ Baffin Region:
The primary art producing community in Nunavut is Kinngait (Cape Dorset). Located on the south west coast of Baffin Island, artists in Kinngaitdeveloped a distinctive style which ranged from lyrical to astonishingly intricate compositions. Blessed with quarries of beautiful veined stone ranging from white to dark green, artists could develop virtuoso carving techniques. Unlike the more narrative works from Nunavik, subject matter in this region tends to be more fantastic, featuring both traditional myths,individual flights of fantasy or abstracted form in order to achieve a more expressive work of art. Other settlements in the Baffin Region are also known for their fine sculptures; this collection includes works from Kimmirut, Iqaluit and Pangnirtung in southern Ba n Island as well as thenorthern hamlet of Clyde River.
£4,850