Latcholassie Akesuk

Latcholassie Akesuk, BIrd-seal transformation, c. 1965

2 1/2 x 5 1/4 x 1 1/4 in. (6.3 x 13.3 x 3.2 cm)

Ex Albrecht Collection
In true Latcholassie fashion, this carving is somewhat ambiguous in appearance. Although the overall form is that of a seal, its head is decidedly bird-like. The carving’s small size and beautiful finish lend this
creature an intimate quality that is not often found in Latcholassie’s work.

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Latcholassie Akesuk, Sedna, c. 1965

6 x 12 x 4 in.

SOLD Alone among Cape Dorset artists, Latcholassie Akesuk made abstract, minimalist sculptures while his counterparts made realistic, detailed carvings of people and animals. In contrast to the highly realistic sedna by Qaqaq Ashoona, Latcholassie's sedna has been reduced to the essentials -- head, tail, and truncated hands, but her bulk reinforces her importance as the governing spirit of marine mammals. Although Latcholassie carved many marble owls, and a variety of birds, this is the only sedna by him that I have seen. For more on the sedna myth, see https://staging.alaskaonmadison.com/exhibition/3/press_release/

Latcholassie Akesuk, BIRD, ex coll. William Johnstone

7 x 7 x 2 in.

From "Tuvaq," by Ken Mantell: "The son of legendary carver Tudlik (noted for his small owls), Latcholassie is best known for his much bolder, larger and abstracted carvings of owls, other birds, humans and mythical pieces. These pieces have a very distinctive style, being rendered with minimal impact on the stone. . . . His birds often have a joyful quality, with the artist's enthusiasm and sense of humour shining through. They tend to have a strong sense of mass -- the large forms requiring little working to create a remarkably expressive effect."

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