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
I hope it's not slaughtering seal.
ReplyDeleteLooks like two wrestlers if you look quickly.
ReplyDeleteInuit art is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThere 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.
ReplyDeleteThis 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
Looks to me like a cycle rider negotiating a bend!
ReplyDeleteMore 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 ...
Beautiful shot RedPat!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
I love its smoothness and rounded shapes.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed how much public art you have up there. I haven't seen big Inuit pieces.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of the movie "Whale Rider." It's an amazing movie.
ReplyDeleteToronto is lucky to be blessed with sooo many great statues and sculptures!
ReplyDeleteWonderful,,,M
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and I would guess is a testimony to Inuit life...I would also guess that is a seal underneath the person.
ReplyDeleteOne can get an indication of its large size from the background.
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!
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