Floyd Kuptana
PAIR OF GRIMACING FACE SHAMAN'S MASKS
FLOYD KUPTANA (B. 1964), PAULATUK
PAIR OF GRIMACING FACE SHAMAN'S MASKS
stone, signed in Roman, inscribed Paulatuk NWT Toronto ON, dated 1997 and 1999, Minor imperfections, missing inlay. Overall good condition.
Please contact the specialist for further condition information.
7 x 4 x 1 in — 17.8 x 10.2 x 2.5 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection, Ontario
Note:
These dramatic maskettes, with their asymmetrical features, and gaping mouths, are evocative of both traditional Yupik and Inupiat masks, as well contemporary pop culture sources that run throughout much of Kuptana’s work. Exposed to the artwork of his cousins Francis Ruben, and Abraham Anghik Ruben as well as mentors Bill Nasogaluak, and David Ruben Piqtoukun, Kuptana had extensive experience as an apprentice sculptor by the time he came to produce his own varied but distinctive work. [1]
It has been said of Kuptana’s oeuvre, that “quite simply, he made beautiful monsters”–these maskettes make that point emphatically. [2]
References:
1. Inuit Art Foundation, “Floyd Kuptana Profile”. IAQ, Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.inuitartfoundation.org/profiles/artist/Floyd-Kuptana.
2. Grant-Moran, Robyn, “Remembering Inuvialuk artist Floyd Kuptana, whose dark vision brought important issues to light”, Toronto Star, June 27, 2021. Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.thestar.com/life/together/remembrance/2021/06/27/remembering-inuvialuk-artist-floyd-kuptana-whose-dark-vision-brought-important-issues-to-light.html.
Estimate: $200—300
PAIR OF GRIMACING FACE SHAMAN'S MASKS
stone, signed in Roman, inscribed Paulatuk NWT Toronto ON, dated 1997 and 1999, Minor imperfections, missing inlay. Overall good condition.
Please contact the specialist for further condition information.
7 x 4 x 1 in — 17.8 x 10.2 x 2.5 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection, Ontario
Note:
These dramatic maskettes, with their asymmetrical features, and gaping mouths, are evocative of both traditional Yupik and Inupiat masks, as well contemporary pop culture sources that run throughout much of Kuptana’s work. Exposed to the artwork of his cousins Francis Ruben, and Abraham Anghik Ruben as well as mentors Bill Nasogaluak, and David Ruben Piqtoukun, Kuptana had extensive experience as an apprentice sculptor by the time he came to produce his own varied but distinctive work. [1]
It has been said of Kuptana’s oeuvre, that “quite simply, he made beautiful monsters”–these maskettes make that point emphatically. [2]
References:
1. Inuit Art Foundation, “Floyd Kuptana Profile”. IAQ, Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.inuitartfoundation.org/profiles/artist/Floyd-Kuptana.
2. Grant-Moran, Robyn, “Remembering Inuvialuk artist Floyd Kuptana, whose dark vision brought important issues to light”, Toronto Star, June 27, 2021. Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.thestar.com/life/together/remembrance/2021/06/27/remembering-inuvialuk-artist-floyd-kuptana-whose-dark-vision-brought-important-issues-to-light.html.
Estimate: $200—300
Auction Results
| Auction Date | Auction House | Lot # | Low Est | High Est | Sold Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-03-17 | Waddington's | 20 | 200 | 300 | 204.00 |
| 2022-03-17 | Waddington's | 21 | 200 | 300 | 240.00 |
