Lot # : 50 - Davidialuk Alasua Amittu Stonecut 12/40

Atungak Meets The Little People Stonecut 12/40 - Puvirnituq Co-Op 1970 Titled, Numbered, Dated & Signed Across Lower Border Sheet - 15 ins x 29 ins (38.1 cm x 73.7 cm) Unframed Paper: Natural Printmaker: Caroline Qumaluk Provenance: Private Collection Davidialuk Alasua Amittu (1910 – 1976 CAD/ Indigenous) Davidialuk Alasua Amittu was born in 1910 in Nunagiirniraq Camp, Northern Quebec. A prolific and talented artist, much of his work contains a narrative element, relaying the stories and legends of traditional Inuit culture. An indifferent hunter, Davidialuk lived in poverty until he gained recognition as a folk artist near mid-life. Only then could he afford the hunter's indispensable dog team (and later snowmobile). Davidialuk was also a spellbinding storyteller - sharing stories based on legends, myths and of his own invention. These he later translated into stone carvings, prints and drawings. His last creative outpouring suggests an urgent need to articulate his personal view of Inuit history and morals. His brother, Syollie Awp once made some tapes of Davidialuk's stories and would play them in the local print shop to inspire other artists. Davidialuk had a close relationship with his cousin Joe Talirunili and they both produced many sculptures in the 1950s and graphics in the 1960s. Both men enjoyed long and fruitful careers, and passed away within months of each other in 1976. Davidialuk is the father to Puvirnituq artists Johnny Amituk and Aisa Amittu. His wife, Maina Aqurtu Assappa was a carver. Davidialuk's brother is Syollie Awp, and his nephew is Davidee Anutigirk, who are also artists in Puvirnituq.