Description:

James Archibald Houston, OC, FRSA (1921-2005), Canadian
AKLUSALOAOIRUGNUIT, CA. 1959
woodcut print block

Estimate: $1,000—2,000 CAD

  • Provenance: The Collection of Terry Ryan
    Private Collection, Ontario
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 18.5 in — 21.6 x 47 cm
  • Medium: woodcut print block
  • Notes: Before the creation of the legendary 1959 print release at Kinngait (Cape Dorset), James Houston traveled to Japan to learn about traditional Japanese printing techniques that would become invaluable in the development of printmaking in the Arctic. Intent on studying with master printmaker Un’ichi Hiratsuka, Houston also worked with other Japanese printmakers including Shiko Munakata, Shoji Hamada, Keisuke Serizawa, Kichiemon Okamura, Sadoa Watanabe, and Yoshito Mori.[1] Back in Kinngait, Osuitok Ipeelee, Iyola Kingwatsiak, Eegyvudluk Pootoogook, Kananginak Pootoogook, and Lukta Qiatsuk worked with techniques learned by Houston, manipulating, adapting and developing them to suit their needs and preferences. An artist himself, and eager to teach by example, James Houston was not to be left behind. Houston made prints of his own, including his iconic 1959 portrait of the mysterious artist, Niviaksiak.

    The present print block portrait dates circa 1959 and is one of a small number of Houston print blocks once in the personal collection of Terry Ryan, the first art advisor and general manager of the West Baffin Co-operative.

    [1] Norman Vorano et al., Inuit Prints: Japanese Inspiration: Early Printmaking in the Canadian Arctic (Gatineau, Québec: Canadian Museum of Civilization, 2011), 9.
  • Condition: Very good overall condition.
    Some checking, imperfections commensurate with age.
    Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

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28 November 2024 18:00 EST
Toronto, ON, CA

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
CA$0 CA$199 CA$10
CA$200 CA$499 CA$20
CA$500 CA$999 CA$50
CA$1,000 CA$1,999 CA$100
CA$2,000 CA$4,999 CA$200
CA$5,000 CA$9,999 CA$500
CA$10,000 CA$19,999 CA$1,000
CA$20,000 CA$49,999 CA$2,000
CA$50,000 CA$99,999 CA$5,000
CA$100,000 CA$299,999 CA$10,000
CA$300,000 CA$999,999 CA$25,000
CA$1,000,000 CA$1,999,999 CA$50,000
CA$2,000,000 CA$2,999,999 CA$100,000
CA$3,000,000 CA$4,999,999 CA$200,000
CA$5,000,000 + CA$300,000