The auction will start at 6:00pm (Eastern Standard Time) on Wednesday, November 16th, 2016.
Walker's is especially pleased to present our eleventh auction of Inuit and First Nations art on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 in Ottawa because it marks our fifth anniversary specializing in this important field of Canadian art. We are proud to offer a third installment of masterworks from the Albrecht Collection, an additional group of fine works from the Sam Wagonfeld Collection, and important and interesting works of art from various other collections in Canada, the United States, and the U.K. Some of these works have been publicly shown in the Heard Museum's traveling exhibition Arctic Spirit, some in the Survival: Inuit Art exhibition of the Wagonfeld Collection, and a few elsewhere. Many works have distinguished or interesting provenances, and some have been hidden away for decades. This auction includes a fine array of Inuit sculptures - an important Migration Boat by Joe Talirunili, a magnificent and unusual sculpture by John Tiktak, a stunning and very early Mother and Child attrib-uted to Isa Smiler, several large and truly outstanding sculptures by Andy Miki, a primal, powerful Muskox by John Kavik, three spectacular works by Osuitok Ipeelee, and a great marble bear by Pauta Saila. Also of note are important sculptures by Judas Ullulaq, Luke Iksiktaaryuk, Barnabus Arnasungaaq, Miriam Qiyuk, Lucy Tasseor, Elizabeth Nutaraaluk, Marc Alikaswa, Oviloo Tunnillie, Davidialuk Alasua Amittu, and David Ruben Piqtoukun. And once again, we are presenting a selection of classic 1950s masterpieces by artists from Salluit (Sugluk). In Inuit graphic arts, highlights include Kenojuak Ashevak's classic 1960 print Dog Sees the Spirits and other lovely prints and drawings by the artist, marvelous early drawings by Parr and Luke Anguhadluq, a fine selection of rare 1950s experimental and early 1960s prints by Cape Dorset artists Osuitok, Mungitok, Niviaqsi and others, and lovely drawings by other Cape Dorset and Baker Lake artists. Highlights in the Inuit textile arts include a stunning and large circular wall hanging by Jessie Oonark as well as a charming embroidered child's parka by her, and gorgeous hangings by Victoria Mamnguqsualuk, Irene Avaalaaqiaq and Ruth Qaulluaryuk from Baker Lake. In First Nations art, we are proud to present Green by Robert Davidson, a highly important abstract carved panel that was included in the landmark 2004 National Gallery/UBC MOA exhibition Robert Davidson: The Abstract Edge. Other highlights from contemporary First Nations arts include the powerful 1970s painting Thunderbird by Norval Morrisseau, a dazzling button blanket by the late Haida artist Hazel Wilson, and fine argillite sculptures by Lionel Samuels and others. Historical First Nations highlights include a fine tall argillite pole by Thomas Moody, and two very fine and highly unusual nineteenth century Haida argillite pipes. As always we at Walker's are grateful for the support of our growing list of consigning and buying clients. We hope that you will enjoy viewing and reading this latest catalogue. Your questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Ingo Hessel Head, Inuit & First Nations Art