Small Graphics from the Collection of W.A. Ross McFadden

March 1217, 2022
Auction begins to close at 2:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 16

Lot 16

PITSEOLAK ASHOONA, O.C., R.C.A. (1904-1983)

PITSEOLAK ASHOONA, O.C., R.C.A. (1904-1983)
Lot 16 Details
PITSEOLAK ASHOONA, O.C., R.C.A. (1904-1983), Kinngait (Cape Dorset)

PEOPLE

engraving
1964, 8/50
9.75 x 11.75 in — 24.8 x 29.8 cm

Estimate $300-$500

Realised: $228
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Provenance:

Estate of W.A. Ross MacFadden, Toronto, ON

Note:

Pitseolak Ashoona's art career began with sewing and embroidering in an arts and crafts program initiated by the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources. For two years she made primarily sewn works until the Kinngait (Cape Dorset) graphics studio was established in 1959. Inspired by works made by her cousin Kiakshuk, Pitseolak began drawing, and quickly became recognized for her work in graphite, and later print media. [1] An early practitioner of engraving following its introduction by Terry Ryan (1922-2017) to Kinngait in 1961, Pitseolak’s drawing style of shading through rapid line movements seems to have found perfect expression in the medium of engraving with its capacity to express wiry thin lines. [2]

A highly acclaimed artist even in her own lifetime, Pitseolak Ashoona was also the mother of important artists Kiawak, Kaka, Koomwartok, Ottochie, and Napatchie Pootoogook.

People from 1964 depicts three figures joyfully holding their catch. The scene is rendered in Pitseolak Ashoona’s distinctive motif of rhythmic parallel lines.

Of the relatively small number of early engravings produced by Pitseolak, we are very pleased to offer nine in this auction (see lots 14 through 22).


Published:

West-Baffin Eskimo Co-Operative, Eskimo Graphic Art 1964-65 L’Art Graphique Des Esquimaux, Cape Dorset, N.W.T., 1971. pl. 19.

References:

1. Lalonde, Christone, “Pitseolak Ashoona, Life and Work”, Art Canada Institute. Accessed February 21, 2022. Click here to read more.

2. Eber, Dorothy Harley, Pitseolak Ashoona in Pictures Out of My Life, Montreal & Kingston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2003, p. 102.

CONDITION DETAILS

Scattered foxing, some cockleing, and minor imperfections. Overall good condition.

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

LOT 16
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.