2016 Inuit Art Auction Report
Recent live auctions indicate that the market for Inuit art is strong. Walker’s Auctions held previews in Toronto and Montreal with a live sale in Ottawa on May 25th and works by John Tiktak, Johnny Inukpuk, RCA and Karoo Ashevak commanded record breaking prices. Works by Kenojuak Ashevak, CC, RCA; Jessie Oonark, OC and Luke Iksiktaaryuk also performed very well. Waddington’s held its first-ever Art of Canada Auction on May 30th in Toronto, which combined Inuit art with works by historical and modern Canadian artists. Works by Pauta Saila, RCA; Joe Talirunili; Kiawak Ashoona and Pitaloosie Saila, RCA performed strongly and went well above estimate. Though works at both auctions commanded high prices, several works sold for or below their estimates, indicating that quality works are available for both emerging and well-established collectors.