Kugaaruk (Pelly Bay), Untitled (Inukshuk and Spirit Faces), 2005, coloured pencil drawing, signed "Nick Sikkuark" and dated, 16 x 12 in, 40.6 x 30.5 cm. ... Nick Sikkuark (1943-2014) became famous in the 1980s as a highly original sculptor whose works consisted of carved and constructed compositions of whale bone, antler and other materials. However he actually began drawing early in life; in fact a series of books of his drawings and cryptic comments was published by the GNWT in the early 1970s. He took up drawing again in preparation for a 2003 solo exhibition at the Marion Scott Gallery in Vancouver (The Art of Nick Sikkuark: Sculpture & Drawings). In the words of Robert Kardosh, as unsettling as Sikkuark’s sculptures can be, “…Sikkuark’s drawn figures are the more disturbing because they so insistent in their realism” (from “Natural Fantasia: The Wonderful World of Nick Sikkuark (Part II)” in IAQ, Summer 2005, pp. 10-16). Clearly evident in these four drawings are Sikkuark’s interest in landscape, shamanism and the supernatural. Sadly, Sikkuark passed away early this year as preparations were underway for a solo exhibition of his work at the National Gallery of Canada.--- CATEGORIES: Inuit, Eskimo