The Other World: Spirits, Demons, and Visions of Transformation

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

Online Auction
LOT 20

Lot 20

FLOYD KUPTANA (b. 1964)

FLOYD KUPTANA (b. 1964)
Lot 20 Details
FLOYD KUPTANA (b. 1964), Paulatuk

PAIR OF GRIMACING FACE SHAMAN'S MASKS

stone
signed in Roman, inscribed Paulatuk NWT Toronto ON, dated 1997 and 1999
7 x 4 x 1 in — 17.8 x 10.2 x 2.5 cm

Estimate $200-$300

Realised: $204
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
FLOYD KUPTANA (b. 1964)
  • FLOYD KUPTANA (b. 1964)
  • FLOYD KUPTANA (b. 1964)
Provenance:

Private Collection, Ontario

Note:

These dramatic maskettes, with their asymmetrical features, and gaping mouths, are 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 but distinctive work. [1]

It has been said of Kuptana’s oeuvre, that “quite simply, he made beautiful monsters”–these maskettes make 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.

CONDITION DETAILS

Minor imperfections, missing inlay. Overall good condition.

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

LOT 20
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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.