Inuit sculptor at NMAI

Smithsonian to feature sculptures and carvings of Arctic artistAbraham Anghik Ruben has become the first Inuk sculptor to get a solo show at the Smithsonian's American Indian Museum in Washington, D.C. The carver—who works in bone, stone, ivory and bronze—says his work reflects his roots in the North and Inuit core belief systems.

"For myself, it's an exhibition that I've been waiting 40 years for. It's taken 40 years to get to this stage in my life, and I'm extremely pleased with the events and the effort that went into making this exhibit," Ruben told CBC News in an interview last week.

The exhibit Arctic Journeys/Ancient Memories: The Sculpture of Abraham Anghik Ruben opened in early October and continues until January. It centres around 23 of his sculptures, which combine Inuit and Norse mythology in their story-telling.Comment:  For more on Alaska Native artists, see Alaska Native Comic-Book Artists and Alutiiq Mask Carver is USA Fellow.

Below:  "Abraham Anghik Ruben (Inuvialuit, b. 1951) Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, 2010 Whale skull, Brazilian soapstone, and cedar; 176.0 x 207.0 x 62.0 cm. Collection of Kipling Gallery, Ontario, Canada."