Kenojuak Ashevak (attributed)

Kenojuak Ashevak (attributed), Swimming Sedna with Plaited Hair, 1970-1975

Stone, 9 1/2 x 20 x 6 1/2 in. (24.1 x 50.8 x 16.5 cm)

In her sculptural works, Kenojuak's subjects were much the same as those found in her prints and drawings. Contrastingly, however, her carvings are much more solid and bulky than the more embellished style of her graphic works. Conceived of in the distinctive Markham Bay stone, the work depicts the Sea Goddess, Sedna, swimming through the Arctic waters with her hair gracefully streamlining down her back in a great plait. For more information on the Sedna legend, see https://www.alaskaonmadison.com/exhibition/3/press_release/ Although there are very few known sculptures of people signed by Kenojuak, the Markham Bay stone and the eyes on this sedna are consistent with a number of Kenojuak sculptures. For works by Kenojuak with strikingly similar nose and lips, see https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/kenojuak-ashevak-inuit-quartzite-woman-walrus-cub-70-c-68e4fd485e?objectID=135429400&algIndex=undefined&queryID=51dbbb57c1e2e65a2da8ea34a2b8200f and https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/kenojuak-ashevak-1927-e7-1035-cape-dorsetwoman-an-310-c-a7d1ddd2f3?objectID=74447139&algIndex=undefined&queryID=dc3543c2517d36001f7eb2eca1fcc567 . References: For other examples of Kenojuak's sculptural works, see Jean Blodgett, Kenojuak, (Toronto: Firefly Books / Mintmark Press Ltd., 1985), figs. xxix-xxiv, pp. 67-70. See fig. xxix for another depiction of the Sea Goddess.

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