Additional Images

Provenance:

Private Collection, Ontario

Note:

This dramatic maskette with its downturned mouth, incised facial lines, and single glaring eye is evocative of both traditional Yupik and Inupiat masks, as well contemporary pop culture sources that run throughout much of Kuptana’s work. Exposed to the artwork of his cousins Francis Ruben, and Abraham Anghik Ruben as well as mentors Bill Nasogaluak, and David Ruben Piqtoukun, Kuptana had extensive experience as an apprentice sculptor by the time he came to produce his own varied work. [1]

Of a related work by Kuptana’s cousin David Ruben Piqtoukun, The One Eyed People, from 1995, Piqtoukun said “The orphans and the disadvantaged who overcame their handicaps developed special insights into the material and spiritual worlds, often becoming leaders. In southern society they would remain outcasts.” [2]

It has been said of Kuptana’s oeuvre, that “quite simply, he made beautiful monsters”–this maskette makes that point emphatically. [2]


References:

1. Inuit Art Foundation, “Floyd Kuptana Profile”. IAQ, Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.inuitartfoundation.org/profiles/artist/Floyd-Kuptana.

2. Grant-Moran, Robyn, “Remembering Inuvialuk artist Floyd Kuptana, whose dark vision brought important issues to light”, Toronto Star, June 27, 2021. Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.thestar.com/life/together/remembrance/2021/06/27/remembering-inuvialuk-artist-floyd-kuptana-whose-dark-vision-brought-important-issues-to-light.html.


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