I knew when I first interviewed Arnaqu Ashevak in 1998 that he was very different from any of his fellow Kinngait artists. During the interview, he mentioned that two of his favourite artists were from Europe – Alexander Calder and M.C. Escher. He went on to say, “sometimes I look at art magazines, and get inspiration from that. Lot of … Read More
URSUS MARITIMUS: Polar Bears in Inuit Art
By Edd J. Guarino In Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit, the word for polar bear is nanook, or nanuq. Its Latin name is ursus maritimus. These huge animals are a fact of life in the Arctic. Their huge size and power make them very impressive creatures. The Inuit have been hunting polar bears for millennia, along with other Arctic animals. For generations, Inuit culture … Read More
Themes in Inuit Art: Drum Dancing
If you follow Inuit art you are most certainly familiar with the image of the drum dancer, depicted in sculpture, prints, and drawings since the 1960s. Artists like Aqjangajuk Shaa, Abraham Anghik Ruben and Luke Anguhadluq are renowned for their renditions of the subject, often a dynamic figure bending their entire body to mimic the powerful beat of the drum. Long … Read More
Sedna: The Sea Goddess
The traditional Inuit world is a place of enchantment, filled with strange spirits and supernatural beings. Governed by the unpredictable forces of nature, the Inuit used this mythology to explain, and perhaps control, these natural forces. In traditional times the spirit world was central to their culture; today, it has provided inspiration for some of the most lyrical and compelling … Read More
Abraham Anghik Ruben talks about his show “Spirit of Life”
Feheley Fine Arts was delighted to host the opening reception for Spirit of Life, Abraham Anghik Ruben’s second solo exhibition at the gallery, presented in partnership with Kipling Gallery. The event welcomed both longtime admirers and new fans of Anghik Ruben’s work, drawn to his powerful carvings in stone and bone. These pieces reflect a profound connection to his Inuit … Read More
Abraham Anghik Ruben: Spirit of Life
In collaboration with Kipling Gallery, we are proud to present a solo exhibition by internationally acclaimed sculptor Abraham Anghik Ruben. His masterful carvings in stone and bone reflect a deep connection to his Inuit heritage, offering a moving exploration of cultural rediscovery and personal identity. This contemporary collection delves into the rich mythology of the Inuit, and the historical encounters … Read More
The Ulu
The ulu, known in Inuktitut as ᐅᓗ (ulu), translates to “woman’s knife.” This crescent-shaped blade is traditionally used by Inuit women and is passed down through several generations. In Inuit culture, it is considered an honour to receive an ulu from an older female relative. [2] The ulu serves various purposes, including cleaning skins, filleting fish, cutting meat for communal … Read More
Adam Alorut’s Final Narwhal Tusk Sculpture
In collaboration with the celebrated sculptor Adam Alorut (1980-2020), artist Ruben Komangapik completed TUSK, a 77.5-inch-tall narwhal tusk, showcasing an extraordinary collaboration by two distinguished carvers. After beginning to carve the tusk, Alorut tragically passed away in 2020. The tusk eventually came into Komangapik’s possession, who completed it in honour of his late friend, Alorut. Renowned for his elaborate narwhal … Read More
The Kayak
In the freezing temperatures of the Northern Arctic, Inuit hunters invented the nimble qajaq, or kayak, to enhance their hunting skills in sealing, whaling and coastline expeditions on the icy waters. Known as the ‘man’s boat’ or the ‘hunter’s boat’ in various Inuktitut dialects, the kayak was hand-crafted from locally available materials. While materials vary depending on their region, in … Read More
The Private Series: Widding Collection
On display in the Ithaca home of Mary and Fred Widding lay a remarkable array of Inuit sculptures. Now, transitioning from the intimate settings of their home to Feheley Fine Arts, this exceptional collection not only showcases a diverse spectrum of styles, materials, and narratives, but also embodies a profound reverence for carvings from the North. Mary Widding notes that … Read More
Michael Massie Talks about his Artwork “1771”
After a two year period, acclaimed Nunatsiavut artist Michael Massie completed a chess set, a true labour of love. The set and board is made of wavy birch, bloodwood, sterling silver and copper. Inspired by his grandmother and her love for drinking tea, Massie, a silversmith and sculptor, challenged himself to create a work where each chess piece was a … Read More
“Kenojuak Ashevak: To Make Something Beautiful” Collector’s talk
Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak, over her lifetime, became a national and international art star; Companion of the Order of Canada, and the holder of two honorary degrees, as well as the subject of several books and films. She was born in a camp near Kinngait in 1927. The exhibition, Kenojuak Ashevak: To Make Something Beautiful features incredibly rare and coveted … Read More