Among published examples of Kavik’s sculptures, the two that most closely compare with Standing Man are found in Swinton’s 1972 book (see reference). All share the interesting bent knee posture seen here. However, neither shares the hunched appearance of Standing Man. The man’s posture is unusual; it’s as if he has seen a ghost, or senses mortal danger; he seems poised for fight or flight. It’s a remarkable and mysterious image. Furthermore, the sculpture is crisply carved and well finished in a fashion that is sometimes found in Kavik’s figures from the mid-late 1960s but no so often later. It is well known that George Swinton was a great early admirer of this artist, whose reputation has only grown over time; interestingly Kavik was represented by nine works in the landmark Sculpture/Inuit travelling exhibition of 1971-73, more than any other artist.

References: For two comparable sculptures by Kavik, in the Eskimo Museum (Churchill) and AGO collections respectively, see George Swinton, Sculpture of the Inuit (Toronto: M&S, 1972/92), figs. 645, 646.

Lot 11