The Art and Evolution of Abraham Anghik Ruben
Abraham Anghik Ruben. Danish Shaman: Through the Mist of Time. detail, 2013, Brazilian Soapstone, KG0276. Kipling Gallery.
His signature style showcases his technical skill, use of negative space, the influence of Inuit traditions, but also Nordic influences, resulting in a body of work that is both personal and universally significant.
What sets Anghik Ruben apart isn’t just his technical mastery, but his ability to bridge cultures within a single artwork. This month, WAG-Qaumajuq will present a monumental retrospective celebrating over five decades of his work. From his early days in Paulatuk, Northwest Territories to his current studio on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Anghik Ruben’s journey is one of transformation, cultural reclamation, and artistic innovation.
We sat down with guest curator and Inuk artist Heather Campbell to share with you about her research and relationship with Anghik Ruben, and how the exhibition came together. Featuring nearly 100 works drawn from the WAG-Qaumajuq and private collections, the selection spans Anghik Ruben’s entire career.
Abraham Anghik Ruben. Things We Share, 2001. Brazilian Soapstone, 58 x 53.7 x 31.5 cm. Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery; Gift of Tradition Fine Foods Ltd. 2004-30. Photo: Ernest Mayer.
“The carvings were my first priority,” Heather explains. “Abraham’s technical skill is exceptional, and I wanted to highlight his strongest pieces. From there, I experimented with organizing the art chronologically and thematically – you’ll see works with traditional Inuit and Nordic motifs, Shamanism, transformation, some of his most recently completed works focus on climate change – I wanted to create a narrative of his life and interests through art.”
A pivotal moment for Heather came during a visit to Winnipeg in December 2024, where she had the opportunity to meet with Abraham. “Speaking with him was inspiring, he’s a fantastic storyteller and that deepened my understanding of his work and solidified the path we were on.”
Abraham Anghik Ruben
The exhibition delves into Abraham’s personal and artistic evolution, with a central theme being his journey of transformation and cultural reclamation following more than a decade in residential school, beginning at the age of eight.
“After leaving residential school, Abraham returned to the North and reconnected with his Inuit heritage and family stories,” Heather says. “This period of rediscovery is a significant aspect of the exhibition.”
The show also explores Abraham’s fascination with Nordic myths and legends, drawing parallels between Inuit and Norse Shamanistic traditions. “Both cultures have rich spiritual practices, and Abraham’s work intertwines these influences. His family lineage has Shamans on both sides so it is a very big part of his life and work,” Heather says.
Abraham’s ability to combine cultural traditions reflects his curiosity and desire to learn and grow. “He’s a big-picture thinker,” says Heather.
His openness to different ways of understanding the world is part of what makes his work so powerful.
Storytelling is at the heart of Abraham’s art and when you visit, you will get the chance to hear stories and reflections through audio recordings by the artist, offering an intimate look into his creative process and personal history. “Abraham is a gifted storyteller, his words give the artworks added depth, helping visitors form a more personal connection with each piece.”
Abraham Anghik Ruben. Angatko Manifest of Inuit Soul, 1975. Silkscreen on paper. 52 x 70.3 cm Image: 46 x 58.8 cm. Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery; Gift of the Volunteer Committee to the Winnipeg Art Gallery through the Art Sales and Rental Gallery, G-80-72
The exhibition also highlights Abraham’s growth and willingness to evolve and try new things. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he tried painting for the first time, overcoming his hesitations and creating a striking new body of work that is also featured in the show. “His openness to new mediums and ideas is inspiring. His journey encourages us to stay curious, to explore, and to push our own creative boundaries,” says Heather.
The expansive retrospective officially opens on May 23 with a public celebration at 7pm at WAG-Qaumajuq. Stay tuned for programming and other opportunities to engage with the exhibition, generously sponsored by the Richardson Foundation, presented by the WAG Foundation, and supported by Kipling Gallery. Abraham Anghik Ruben runs until spring 2026. in Qaumajuq’s flagship Qilak gallery. This is the first solo show in the largest exhibition space dedicated to Inuit art in the world.
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Bonjour,
Ayant eu la chance de rencontrer Anghik à Paulatuk en 1977, j’ai depuis et toujours suivi son parcours artistique avec beaucoup d’intérêt et d’admiration.
Cette rétrospective de 50 ans de création qui lui est consacrée au WAG est tout à fait méritée.
Pour rien au monde, je ne la raterais.
Malheureusement, habitant en France, je ne pourrai pas être présente pour l’inauguration le 23 mai, mais je viendrai certainement cet automne.
Je vous serais reconnaissante, si c’est envisageable, de me tenir au courant par mail des différentes manifestations et happenings autour de l’exposition.
Merci à vous
Anne