Contemporary Alaskan Sculpture
Exhibition Dates:
March 6, 2014 - March 29, 2014Involved Artists:
Larry Ahvakana, Brandon Olanna, Charles Slwooko, Cliff Apatiki, Clyde Rookok, Edwin Weyiouanna, Fred Kingeekuk, Fred Nayokpuk, Hubert Kokuluk, Jerome Saclamanna, Jimmy Weyiouanna, John Boy Weyiouanna, Luke Penayah, Maxine Ungott, Melcher Oozevaseuk, Miller Kingeekuk, Ray Toolie, Richard Olanna, Ted Mayac, Jr., Tom Akeya, Wagner Wongittilin, Warren Kakoona, Perry Eaton, Harry Hank, Edwin Nunguk
Featured Works
-
Larry AhvakanaRaven Mask – Tulugaq, SyunghaRed Cedar, Acrylic- 9.5"h
- 6"w
- 9"d
SOLD -
Larry AhvakanaIvory Raven Pendant with Chain – IOld Walrus Ivory, Ebony Wood, Sterling Silver Chain and SettingSOLD -
Perry EatonRaven MaskWhite Spruce, Hickory, Artist Oils, Human Hair, Domestic Goose Feathers, Beads, Faux Sinew, Thread- 13"h
- 20"w
- 5.5"d
SOLD -
Larry AhvakanaSinging Seal Song (1980)African Wonderstone- 13"h
- 8"w
- 6.5"d
SOLD -
Larry AhvakanaAt the Celebration
Seated Inupiaq WomanNew Mexican Alabaster- 13"h
- 8"w
- 9"d
SOLD
A new body of whalebone, stone and ivory sculpture debuts this March, bringing the salty tang of the Bering Sea down to Seattle. Using whalebone, ivory and baleen as sculptural media remains an art form unique to Alaskan Natives, and the practice is widespread across coastal and island villages in the northwest of the state.
Most of the artists in this exhibit are from the Inupiaq or Siberian Yup’ik tribes. Many hail from Shishmaref, an Inupiaq village on a tiny, eroding barrier reef. The villagers remain because of the strategic access to sea and land hunting. In winter men go inland to hunt for moose and caribou, while in summer families fish, pick berries, and scavenge whalebone and mammoth ivory on the beach. Artists utilize the natural size and texture of the local materials to create works which reflect their activities and their connection to the animals on land and sea. Only old bones are used for carving, and whales are not killed for this purpose.
Join us for a slide show and lecture by contemporary Inupiaq artist Larry Ahvakana! Wednesday, March 12th, 7pm