Monday, June 6, 2011

"Hunter With Seal"


In the late 60s the Ontario government commissioned Inuit artist Paulosie Kanayook to create a sculpture for the courtyard in front of the Macdonald Block on Bay St. Inuit sculptures were not large enough to be suitable so Kanayook created a small carving in soapstone which was then enlarged in Canadian black granite by Louis Temporale with Kanayook assisting. This finished piece was installed in 1968 and was the 1st public outdoor sculpture in Toronto by an Inuit artist.
Addendum: I should have mentioned that the piece is 1.1m high x 1.75m long by .95m wide

14 comments:

Birdman said...

I hope it's not slaughtering seal.

Stefan Jansson said...

Looks like two wrestlers if you look quickly.

EG CameraGirl said...

Inuit art is fascinating.

Kay L. Davies said...

There is such a difference between the Inuit use of seals and the horrible slaughter by other hunters. The seal was a vital part of the Inuit diet and culture for thousands of years before Jacques Cartier discovered Canada.
This is a beautiful piece of art and its installation in 1968 was long overdue as a tribute to the Inuit peoples of our country.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Julie said...

Looks to me like a cycle rider negotiating a bend!

More seriously though, I imagine I can envisage the way of life in the lines of the sculpture. It, to me, epitomises blubber as warmth. Needing to be well fleshed. Needing to be warmly dressed. Hard from this image to determine the size of the work.

But I like it ...

LĂșcia said...

Beautiful shot RedPat!
I have great respect for the Inuits, I saw an episode of No Reservations (Anthony Bourdain is so gorgeous...) where he eats with an Inuit family and I could see how respectfully they shared the meal and preserve their culture.

Sharon said...

I love its smoothness and rounded shapes.

Regina K said...

I like what Kay said about it being a long over due tribute. Although I know little about Inuit people or their art, I feel it is a nice tribute.

Jack said...

I am impressed how much public art you have up there. I haven't seen big Inuit pieces.

Randy said...

It reminds me of the movie "Whale Rider." It's an amazing movie.

Leif Hagen said...

Toronto is lucky to be blessed with sooo many great statues and sculptures!

Michael Rowland said...

Wonderful,,,M

Lowell said...

Very interesting and I would guess is a testimony to Inuit life...I would also guess that is a seal underneath the person.

One can get an indication of its large size from the background.

Unknown said...

I'm a bit surprised by the fact the 1st public Inuit work dates back to such a recent year (1968)... Love the sculpture, it's just great!