Inuit & First Nations Art Auction of May 18, 2017

Walker's is pleased to announce that we are celebrating our 80th anniversary this year as a third generation, family-owned auction house specializing in Canadian, European, and of course Inuit and First Nations art.We are proud to offer our clients another selection of exceptional art works from dozens of collections in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. In addition to fine sculptures, graphics and textiles from the Albrecht Collection, we are presenting masterworks from two other important American collections: sculptures, prints and drawings from the Sam Wagonfeld Collection, and sculptures from the Joshua Pruzansky Collection. We are also offering a group of fine works from the Balshine Collection and the Thomas and Helen Webster Collection here in Canada. Sadly, both Sam Wagonfeld and Thomas Webster passed away early this year as we were preparing this spring's collection. Sam was a highly regarded psychiatrist and analyst in Denver and a passionate collector of Inuit art. Thomas and Helen met as schoolteachers in Iqaluit in the 1960s and settled there, devoting their lives to encouraging and marketing the work of Inuit artists across Baffin Island.This season we have a splendid collection of important Inuit sculptures by Karoo Ashevak, Niviaqsi, Osuitok Ipeelee, Andy Miki and John Kavik, and outstanding works by John Tiktak, Miriam Qiyuk, Luke Iksiktaaryuk, Barnabus Arnasungaaq and other artists such as Qaqaq Ashoona, Kiugak Ashoona, Sheokjuk Oqutaq, Judas Ullulaq, Charlie Ugyuk, Pauta Saila, Latcholassie Akesuk, Aqjangajuk Shaa, Akeeaktashuk, Jackoposie Oopakak, David Ruben, Oviloo Tunnillie, Davidialuk Alasua Amittu, Ennutsiak, and several anonymous masters.Inuit graphics include classic prints and exceptionally fine drawings by artists such as Kenojuak Ashevak, Luke Anguhadluq, Jessie Oonark, Niviaqsi, Pudlo Pudlat, Parr, and Joe Talirunili. Our offering of textile wall hangings includes lovely examples by Janet Kigusiuq, Mary Kuutsiq, Annie Taipanak, and probably Jessie Oonark.First Nations highlights include a Charles Edenshaw bracelet, a Chilkat blanket, a very rare Haida argillite recorder, an early argillite pipe, and a contemporary argillite carving by Lionel Samuels. We are very pleased to offer an important group of works by Norval Morrisseau, including three exceptional and large early works on paper.We would like to thank the generations of consigning and buying clients who have made it possible for Walker's to become one of Canada's leading auction houses. We hope that you will enjoy this latest catalogue of Inuit and First Nations art. As always, we look forward to hearing your questions, comments and suggestions.