Masterwork by John Keknek - Polar Bear on Arctic I

Updated September 18, 2026

John Keknek (Gjoa Haven, Nunavut), Polar Bear, 2016. A beautifully composed and highly collectible original Canadian Inuit stone sculpture portraying one of the Arctic's most revered and iconic animals with remarkable dignity, restraint and sculptural authority. Carved in 2016 and accompanied by its original Government of Canada Certified Authenticity card, this exceptional work measures 7 x 4 1/4 x 3 3/4 inches and exemplifies the refined contemporary carving traditions for which Gjoa Haven has earned international recognition among serious collectors of Inuit art.<br><br>The sculpture captures a solitary polar bear advancing confidently across an integral naturalistic stone ice floe, its lowered head, broad shoulders and immense body communicating quiet power, patience and resilience. Rather than relying on excessive detail, Keknek masterfully distills the animal into bold sculptural volumes that perfectly convey the unmistakable presence of the Arctic's apex predator. Every surface has been meticulously engraved with thousands of finely executed directional cuts that faithfully recreate the dense texture of the bear's winter coat while simultaneously animating the sculpture with extraordinary light and shadow. The subtle curvature of the spine, powerful forequarters and massive hind legs create a harmonious composition that appears equally compelling from every viewing angle.<br><br>Particularly striking is the dramatic contrast between the pale, richly speckled stone chosen for the bear and the darker organically shaped stone base representing Arctic sea ice. The untouched natural edges of the base preserve the geological character of the material while reinforcing the sculpture's intimate connection to the northern landscape that inspired it. This sophisticated interplay of contrasting stones elevates the work well beyond the more commonly encountered freestanding bear carvings, creating a composition that possesses both narrative depth and exceptional display presence.<br><br>John Keknek's sculptures are admired for their clean, confident forms, restrained realism and enduring celebration of Arctic wildlife. Polar bears remain among the most sought-after subjects in Canadian Inuit sculpture, consistently attracting strong international interest due to their universal symbolism, sculptural beauty and importance within Inuit culture. Examples retaining their original Government of Canada certification are increasingly desirable, providing collectors with an added level of confidence regarding authenticity, provenance and historical documentation.<br><br>The underside bears the artist's incised initials together with collection inventory markings, while the sculpture is accompanied by its original Government of Canada Certified Authenticity card identifying the artist, community, title and 2016 date of carving. The presence of this original documentation meaningfully enhances both collectability and long-term desirability.<br><br>This sculptur

Register & bid on this lot at Bidspirit →

More lots in this auction

• Lucassie Simonie (Dorset/Kinngait) Monumental Inuk
• Malu Natakok (Coral Harbour) - Exceptional Dancing
• Konrad Cramer (1888–1963) - Reclining Nude in Land
• Malu Natakok (Coral Harbour, Nunavut) - Dancing Be
• Thomas Kinkade (1958-2012) "San Francisco, Lombard
• Toussaint Riendeau - Signed and Numbered Bronze Fi
• Ken Danby's "The Runner" Limited Edition Original
• Alex Alikashuak - Hunter - 1999 Inuit Serpentine S

See all lots in October Art & Collectibles- 2-DAY Auction →