An Ancient Way of Dancing

Description

‘An Ancient Way of Dancing’ by Luke Iksiktaaryuk – Inuit Art – Baker Lake 1971 print collection presented by DaVic Gallery of Native Canadian Arts.

Condition:          Very Good condition – This print was professionally treated for discoloration previous framing and for handling marks on the paper.  Some discoloration remains mildly visible along margins of the paper.  Also, some faint staining lightly visible in lower mid area of the paper and top right area of the paper perhaps from previous exposure to humidity.

Description by Artist:     No description by artist found.

Notes from DaVic Gallery:    Luke Iksiktaaryuk’s graphics are reminiscent of Luke Anguhadluq’s graphics in some ways.  The theme of people gathering in circle dancing is a reminder to Luke Anguhadluq’s reoccurring drum dancing theme.   In An Ancient Way of Dancing the various female participants and audience are spread in a semi-circle surrounding and gathered around a central male dancer creating a pictorial rhythm that echoes the music of the scene despite no musical instruments being visible implying the music is vocally generated. Heightening the sense of energy are the colourful garments of of the figures, except for the dancer.  Also, similar to Luke Anguhadluq, Iksiktaaryuk provides a viewer an aerial view perspective from above looking down onto the event that is taking place within the confines of a large igloo.  We see five women on the left side, six women on the right, and two women top where the dancer is nearest to.

The blank sheet of letter-size (8.5” x 11”) paper covering part of the image in the last picture is for size reference.

The above description is copyrighted and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. When using the copyrighted material, please credit DaVic Gallery of Native Canadian Arts.