Fisherman and the Widow

Description

“Fisherman and the Widow” by Luke Anguhadluq – Inuit Art from Baker Lake 1982 print collection presented by DaVic Gallery of Native Canadian Arts

Condition:          small crease on the lower right corner of the paper. Image not affected,

Description by Artist:     No description by artist found.

Notes from DaVic Gallery:   “Fisherman and the Widow” – solid stonecut and stencil colors representing two distinctive individuals standing not very close but only proximity where the fisherman intends to catch his first fish to bring to the woman for cleaning.  The woman waits for the fisherman closer to the viewing point holding the ulu to use for cleaning the fish.  Though it is the woman that is closer to the viewer, the focal point and center of attention is the fisherman further up in the vast empty horizon while the woman appears as additional participant of the fisherman’s activities in that space and time.  The fisherman holds his kakivak (fish spear) on his right hand bending down waiting for a fish to come close to spear it.  There is activity in the fisherman while the woman patiently and quietly waits for the fisherman to come back with a fish to clean for her and her children to eat.  This is print is dated and issued in 1982, the same year Luke passed away in the month of February and still carries Luke’s signature indicating perhaps one of his very last signed prints.

When the man of a family died, the family left or the wife would depend on the help of neighbors sharing their food for her and her family.

It is interesting to note how the close-up provided in picture number 2, the sense of action and the story behind the Fisherman and the Widow disappears indicating the important role the negative space of the complete print plays.

Related:    Men Jigging Fish;   Spring fishing;   Fishing at Ingalik;