Kikgavik and the Hunter

Description

‘Kikgavik and the Hunter’ by Kiakshuk – Inuit Art – Cape Dorset 1960 print collection presented by DaVic Gallery of Native Canadian Arts.

Condition:        Good condition – Professionally restored to repair overall handling marks, yellowing, and discoloration as well as humidity stains on the left edge of the paper. Yellowing, discoloration, and tape marks remain mildly visible as the type of paper used for this print allows only for extra gentle restoration treatment.

Description by Artist:     No description by artist found.

Notes from DaVic Gallery:   Kiakshuk was known as an excellent hunter and trapper who was well versed in traditional hunting skills and who became comfortable hunting with a rifle once introduced to it. It comes as no surprise then that Kiakshuk’s compositions often depict such hunting activities. This composition comes across as one of the most dynamic and epic hunting scenes. Although it was mostly Inuit of the Western Arctic region that would sometimes hunt Kiggavik (peregrine falcon) during winters, it is clear Kiakshuk was familiar with the hunting practice, either through personal experience or stories.  Regarded as one of the most spectacular birds of prey, the Kiggavik is known to be the fastest bird on earth, reaching diving speeds of nearly 400 km per hour. Perhaps what we are witnessing here is Kiakshuk’s admiration for the bird as he attempts to represent its agility, speed and power in this jarring composition.

This is a striking, rare and sought-after print created over six decades ago. An unusual element in the story of this print is the fact that it was designed by Kiakshuk and printed by his son, Lukta Qiatsuq, using Hamilton Victorian paper for a stonecut print. Perhaps because this type of paper absorbs less ink, the black colour in this print appears intense and thick.

Note that although this print image is not included in the Cape Dorset 1960 catalogue, this print was indeed part of the collection.

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.