569 - Lukie Airut (1942-2018): A polar bear attacks a seal ('Bear & seal'), walrus ivory and stone, Inuit sculpture, Igloolik, dated 1998

Lukie Airut (1942-2018): A polar bear attacks a seal ('Bear & seal'), walrus ivory and stone, Inuit sculpture, Igloolik, dated 1998 L 22,5 cm A certificate from the Canadian government ('99174419 - Bear & Seal - 8CO27603') is added to this lot. Lukie Airut was a sculptor from Igloolik (Iglulik), Nunavut, Canada. Born at an outpost camp near Alanarjuk Lake on Baffin Island, he spent his formative years on the land. Airut began carving in his early 20s and was taught by his father, George Kappianaq how to work with stone and bone using hand tools. He used materials such as walrus teeth and bowhead whale skulls that he sourced while hunting. His experience of the land also influenced his sculptures, which featured animals, birds and people in traditional camps. Severe winter temperatures in the Arctic often prevent carvers from working outdoors for many months of the year. Airut preferred to work with bone to avoid both working outdoors in low temperatures as well as all the dust carving in stone can create. Careful observation and lifelong experience came together in his work to create dynamic effects, with small details and surprising figures emerging from stone and bone. Airut was praised by both curator Darlene Coward Wright and his cousin, printmaker Germaine Arnaktauyok, for the intricate detail of his carvings. He also studied jewellery design at Nunavut Arctic College, where he learned to work on a smaller scale. These skills transferred to his carving practice, as he incorporated miniature figures and fine details into larger pieces of bone. The absence of a condition report does not imply that a lot is in perfect condition. Condition reports are provided on request. They will be made available, together with additional images, on our website at www.coronariauctions.com. Condition reports are given as a service, we can not be held liable for errors in such a report. The full list of condition reports for this sale is available on the following URL: https://www.coronariauctions.com/en/condition-report/48 Further questions are always welcome at info@coronariauctions.com