Bidspirit auction | James Houston - Arctic Drawings

James Houston - Arctic Drawings II, Portfolio of Five Signed Artist’s Proofs - A scarce portfolio titled Arctic Drawings II by James Houston (Canadian, 1921-2005), containing five signed artist’s proof lithographs, each measuring approximately 13 x 18 in. Subjects include seated Inuit women, hunters, and studies of figures from Baffin Island. Each sheet is pencil-signed by the artist and inscribed “Artist’s Proof, ” with notations identifying subject and origin. James Houston, credited with establishing the modern Inuit printmaking movement, was also a pivotal figure in promoting Inuit art to southern markets during the mid-20th century. His Arctic Drawings portfolios are considered key documents in the dissemination of Inuit visual culture, blending ethnographic observation with fine draftsmanship. The present lot, consisting entirely of signed proofs, is especially rare and desirable for collectors of Inuit and Canadian art. Provenance: Private collection, Canada.