In collaboration with Kipling Gallery, we are proud to present a solo exhibition by internationally acclaimed sculptor Abraham Anghik Ruben. His masterful carvings in stone and bone reflect a deep connection to his Inuit heritage, offering a moving exploration of cultural rediscovery and personal identity. This contemporary collection delves into the rich mythology of the Inuit, and the historical encounters between the Inuit and the Viking Norse.

Each of Anghik Ruben’s sculptures serve as a vessel for memory, cultural transformation, traditional myth, or a reflection on future uncertainty. Expertly carved and thoughtfully composed, the narratives woven into each work are as powerful and expansive as the stone forms themselves. Renowned for his remarkable technical ability, Anghik Ruben pairs craftsmanship with evocative, enduring storytelling.

This synthesis is especially evident in his piece Tree of life (2023), which explores the persistent turmoil and external pressures facing Inuit communities. The base of the sculpture portrays a harmonious existence between humans and animals, rooted in tradition. As the tree ascends, it morphs into a chaotic tangle, symbolizing the modern challenges of climate change, displacement, and food insecurity in the North. Through these deeply contemporary themes, Anghik Ruben draws upon both personal experience and historical resonance. His interest in early contact between the Inuit, Norse and European settlers often surfaces in his works. In Sigurd the dragon slayer (2016), for example, Anghik Ruben reimagines the tale of the legendary Norse hero Sigurd, blending folklore with cultural reflection.

In a departure from his signature stone sculptures, Anghik Ruben embarks on a new chapter with his first paintings on canvas, signaling a bold shift into a multidisciplinary phase of his career. Much like his sculptural works, these paintings are rich with narrative and historical depth. Each line placed with intention, like a nerve in a larger body, woven together to express his enduring fascination with the intersection of early settlers and their impact on Inuit culture. His abstract compositions explore how these two worlds connect, intertwine, and coexist within a shared visual language.

A celebrated artist whose work has been showcased from Washington to Paris, Anghik Ruben’s sculptures are held in prominent public and private collections across Canada, and around the world. In 2016, Anghik Ruben was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to the contemporary arts.