Polar Bear

A large stylized polar bear is represented in this soapstone sculpture, carved in the traditional method of Inuit custom. The bear’s massive bulk is emphasized by his seated posture, giving the sculpture a strong sense of materiality. 

The animal is native to the small community of Gjoa Haven on King William Island in the central Arctic where the artist grew up. Based on memory, the artist created the sculpture to document and share a way of life that he saw disappearing.

The sculpture is imbued with anthropomorphic emotion, symbolized by the open mouth raised up toward the sky, suggesting the bear is crying out in despair.