His life

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About Floyd Kuptana in the media

Floyd Kuptana
Image: Starry Bear Dancing, courtesy of Eron Boyd , 2015. Acrylic on canvas. 38.1 x 27.9 cm

Book: Outsider Art in Canada
Linda Rainaldi
Publisher: 5 continents, 2024 - 192 pagina's

"Outsider art" is the name given to the idiosyncratic work of self-taught creators who are driven to use their own invented visual language to bring forth images from their imaginations.

Floyd Kuptana completed this painting "Sedna jumping out of the sea" just before Linda Rainaldi visited him for the interview.

Here's a summary of the text about Floyd Kuptana (p.163-164):

Linda Reinaldi writes about the life and art of Floyd Kuptana, an Inuvialuit carver from Cape Parry in the Northwest Territories. Kuptana shared his journey from his traditional home to the streets of Toronto, recounting his childhood memories, struggles with systemic discrimination, and experiences with hospitalization and rehabilitation. Despite these challenges, Kuptana's unique carvings of humans, animals, and spirit entities set him apart in the art world.

In 1996, Kuptana moved to Toronto, where he expanded his artistic repertoire by exploring painting and collage. His early paintings, inspired by Inuit mythology and shamanic tales, were highly textured and vibrant, showcasing his transition from three-dimensional carvings to two-dimensional canvases. Kuptana's work often depicted mythological creatures and reflected his Inuit heritage.

Kuptana's art was influenced by both his cultural background and Western art. Despite his success, he felt the pressure to produce art for a living and struggled with the outsider label often applied to his work. Reinaldi argues that this label undermines his agency as an accomplished artist and emphasizes the importance of recognizing contemporary Inuit art within the broader art world.

Kuptana's paintings were an expression of his identity and culture, bridging the gap between his ancestral home and his life in the city. His work highlights the fluid cultural hybridity and dialogue between the Arctic and the rest of the world, challenging ethnocentric views and promoting the acceptance of Inuit art as "real" art.

Others about his sculptures:

In a tribute to the artist, friend and colleague Richard D. Mohr remarks, ... His sculptures were, as Mohr describes, “an unsettling mix of whimsy and horror”.
"His work engaged with Inuit spirituality by juxtaposing humour with frightening imagery to share narratives of haunting spirits and bumbling figures"
(Richard D. Mohr, “Floyd Kuptana: Untitled,” Inuit Art Quarterly 30, no. 4 (Winter 2017: 17)
"Floyd's cousin is the famous sculptor David Ruben Piqtoukun whose influence on Floyd's work is obvious. ... Floyd draws his inspiration from inuit mythology.
He incorporates "shamanism" into much of his work." (Simon Griffiths , AboriginArt)
"Floyd Kuptana's sculptures of soapstone and other stone often feature shapes of both animal and human. Frequent imagery of transformation may be considered grotesque and include works of Sedna the Inuit goddess of the sea and marine animals. His work relates both to the Inuit religion and his own experiences. (Wikipedia)
Toronto's "Bay of Spirits" text with quotes of Robyn Grant-Moran:
“... basing his imagery on traditional Inuit beliefs and lore, with common themes of transformation and struggle. Quite simply, he made beautiful monsters, though his work was anything but simple.”
New York Review of Books. June 9 2011, p.65 Exhibition review
Maslak Mcleod Gallery 118 Scollard Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; <www.maslakmcleod.com>; (416) 944-2577. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM-5 PM.
Floyd Kuptana, Mask. Floyd Kuptana is an Inuit (Eskimo) artist from the western arctic rim, specifically Paulatuk, Northwest Territories. Without any formal training, Kuptana effortlessly combines traditional beliefs with a modern sensibility. His works are at times comic, strange and grotesque. The resulting impact of his work reveals a personal surrealism not found anywhere else. Kuptana's work is a singular vision, reinterpreting such Inuit myths as Sedna and channeling it through modern urban life.

Photo & Video: Eliot Waldman, Native Art Traders

Bird Man

Year completed: 2010

Medium: Steatite with mixed materials

Size (inches): 15 x 8 x 6

Size (cm): 37.5 x 20 x 15

Observations: Combines Kuptana's trademark surrealistic whimsy with a strong sense of movement.

(FK444)

https://web.archive.org/web/20120331124149/http://www.maslakmcleod.com/sculpture/Floyd-Kuptana.html

In: Union Station : love, madness, sex and survival on the streets of the new Toronto p.93 -96 Author: Joe Fiorito, 2006

(Source: Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/unionstationlove0000fior/unionstationlove0000fior

accessed August 27 2024)

union statio p93-96.docx.pdf

"Floyd Kuptana in 2-D : an Analysis and Appreciation " by Richard D. Mohr
Presented at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Inuit Art Society, October 27-29, Corning, New York
Richard Mohr, IAS member and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and of the Classics at the University of Illinois at Urbana, discussed the two-dimensional work of Floyd Kuptana (1964-2021).
The presentation takes 42 minutes. followed by a discussion, Q&A with the audience.

"Floyd Kuptana and American Pop Culture" by Richard D. Mohr
The late, Arctic-born, Toronto-based Inuit artist Floyd Kuptana ― best known as a carver ― in his 2-D works, made several hunting and gathering forays deep into distinctively American pop culture.(August 8th 2024)

"Floyd Kuptana Show-'n'-Tell" by Richard D. Mohr [Use expand arrow to see more]
Talk by Richard D. Mohr about Floyd Kuptana. A five minute show-’n’-tell plus in-memorium for Floyd presented to the Inuit Art Society as a Zoom (June 13th 2021), two weeks after Floyd died. (May 27th 2021)

issuu.com/intuitart/docs/for_issuu_final_lowerres_8.5x11_out

Floyd Kuptana: Canada's outsider. [Use expand arrow to see more]
(In The Outsider, Fall 2018, by Richard D. Mohr) Tip: Open a LARGER image in a new Tab -> "Mouse Over; Right Click; Open in New Tab"

Art & Reconciliation: Bay of Spirits Gallery [Use expand arrow to see more]
(In "Grace & Co, Homes and Lifestylle, fall 2021, by Mike Spry)

"Inuit Artists on their Changing Relationship with the Land and Sea", [Use expand arrow to see more]
2019 Post on blog Artists and climate change

April 29, 2019 Inuit Artists on their Changing Relationship with the Land and Sea by Susan Hoffman Fishman
"... In Sedna Lamenting the Loss of Sea Ice by artist Floyd Kuptana, the Sedna figure has become a boat rescuing those affected by rising seas. With her propeller located in the bow of the boat, her normally beautiful hair reduced to a few strands and her arms rowing backwards, she is the expression of a “world in trouble."

Floyd Kuptana, Sedna Lamenting the Loss of Sea Ice, 2007. Brazilian serpentine, antler, wood horse hair and metal, 55 x 89 x 44 cm.

“Good Friday with Floyd Kuptana” by Richard Mohr (on April, 10th 2020, Good Friday)

“Floyd Kuptana - Urban Hunter ; celebrating the life of an Indigenous Artist"
by Madeleine Kane (In: smART Magazine 6.7 (July 2021))

A Chronology / Biography / essay(s) (in preparation)

IN INUIT ART QUARTERLY -under revision-

IAQ Online
Feature:
10 Inuvialuit Multidisciplinary Artists to Know
Jun 05, 2024, by IAQ

Summary:
The text mentions the following elements of Floyd Kuptana’s work:

Mediums: Sculpture, painting, and collage.
Materials: Muskox horn and whale bone.
Style: Juxtaposition of humor with frightening imagery, inspired by traditional stories and shaman transformations.
Themes: Depiction of the spirit world’s appearance in daily life.
Notable Work: Sculpture “Ballroom Dancer” (2005).
Recognition: “Ballroom Dancer” featured on the cover of Inuit Art Quarterly in spring 2008.
Exhibitions: His work appeared in “The Artist’s Mirror” (2018–19) at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, AB.

Work(s) shown or discussed:

Untitled (2012) Mixed media

IAQ Online
Feature:
The 10 Bear Boogie, Feb 26, 2021 by Jessica MacDonald
showing the Ballroom Dancer
Summary:
9 different bears that dance by Inuit artists.

Work(s) shown or discussed:
Ballroom Dancer (2005) Steatite and marble 9.5 × 6 × 2 in

IAQ Online
Feature:
7 Bone-Rattling Works of Skeleton Art, Oct 29, 2021by Leanne Inuarak-Dall
Summary:
7 examples of skeletons by Inuit artists.

Work(s) shown or discussed:
Untitled (2012) Collage /Mixed media
COURTESY THE ARTIST

"In this skull-buster of a collage, Floyd Kuptana cuts and pastes flesh and bone onto a painted canvas, arranging the parts to create an unearthly beast of many limbs, complete with blood-red nails and hollow eyes. Kuptana has used his signature energetic style to create another world of humour and horror for us to get lost in."

Inuit Art Quarterly (Back Issues)

Vol. 37.1, Winter 2024 (READ PDF) Mentions: 2

p. 5 FROM THE EDITOR: Guest Editor Reneltta Arluk mentions the "In Vivid Colour" article by Kale Shepperd who "explores how the paintings of Brian Kowikchuk, Floyd Kuptana (1964-2021) and Logan Ruben express the saturated beayty of Inuvialuit lands."
p. 24 - FEATURE "In Vivid Colour" by Kale Sheppard. Examining the dynamic colours in the artwork of Inuvialuit artist.
Summary (to follow):
Shown:
- p. 28: Floyd Kuptana "Untitled (Night rider), n.d. Acrylic, 50.8 x 50.8 cm
  (courtesy Waddington's Auctioneers and Appraisers, Toronto. © the artist
- p. 29: Floyd Kuptana "Untitled (Blue rider), n.d. Acrylic, 30.5 x 35.6 cm
  (courtesy Waddington's Auctioneers and Appraisers, Toronto. © the artist

Vol. 34, No. 3 Fall 2021 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p. 11 IllannarijaujutTunngavinngmit ($500–$999) ...Louis Jungheim and Thalia Nicas, in memory of Floyd Kuptana (and also in 34.4, 35.1, 35.2, 35.3, 35.4

Vol. 34, No. 3 Fall 2021 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p. 5 FROM THE EDITOR (Britt Gallpen mentions Floyd Kuptana's passing)

Vol. 31, No. 4 Winter 2018 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p. 26 - 33 FEATURE "Snap! Crackle! inuit Pop Art!" by Cass Gardiner
Summary:
Floyd Kuptana's Untitled (Snoopy on an Igloo) (2016), created in collaboration with Eron Boyd, reimagines the iconic American character Snoopy from the Peanuts comic through an Inuit perspective. The artwork features gestural strokes of various colors to depict an evening scene with Snoopy lying on an igloo, similar to how he is usually seen on his red doghouse. Kuptana uniquely interprets Snoopy with short ears and a large green eye, giving him a distinct look. This piece, along with other works by Kuptana and Tulurialik, demonstrates how fictional characters can be adapted to different cultural contexts, making them feel at home in diverse settings.
Shown: "Untitled (Snoopy on an Igloo) Floyd Kuptana, Eron Boyd. Acrilic with collage. 30.5 x 40.6 cm

Vol. 30, No. 4 Winter 2017 (READ PDF) Mentions: 2

p.3 Table of Content: 16 CHOICE: Floyd Kuptana by Richard D. Mohr.p.33 - 36 Exhibition reviewed
p.16 - 17 CHOICE: Floyd Kuptana by Richard D. Mohr
Summary:
Richard D. Mohr, who holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Toronto and is a member of the Inuit Art Society, provides an insightful analysis of Floyd Kuptana's 2D artwork. Mohr highlights how Kuptana's depictions of the spirit world evoke a sense of impending apocalypse, reminiscent of the Netsilik shaman Anarqâq's work. Born during the Cold War near the Cape Parry DEW Line station, Kuptana's recent paintings and collages reflect this ominous feeling.
Despite the commercial success of his stone carvings, Kuptana's graphic works on paper, wood, and canvas have been largely overlooked. These pieces, however, amplify the energy, wonder, and intensity found in his carvings. One notable work, Untitled (2015), features a spiraling star cutting into a cosmic skull, creating a disorienting and menacing scene. Kuptana's use of vibrant colors and absurd juxtapositions, including the recurring figure of Snoopy, intensifies the horror rather than alleviating it. Kuptana's unique aesthetic, filled with gritty vibrancy and pop culture references, places him within a distinguished group of contemporary artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat. Despite the lack of commercial recognition, his graphic works significantly contribute to his artistic legacy.
Shown:
- Untitled, 2015 Acrylic on canvas, 28 x 36 cm COURTESY GALLERY ARCTURUS. PHOTO ROBERT W. SWITZER

Vol. 30, No. 3 Fall 2017 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p.12 5 COVERS Inuit Art Quarterly at 30
Front Cover no. 3: IAQ23.1, Spring 2008 Choice of ALYSA PROCIDAExecutive Director and Publisher
Shown:
- Ballroom dancer, 2005

Vol. 30, No. 2 Summer 2017 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p.18 - 35 LOOKING AT COLLECTIONS : INUIT ART AROUND THE WORLD
p.35 Cerny Inuit Collection (Now: Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art)
Mentioned: "Sedna Laments The Loss of Polar Ice (2007) as part of their collection.

Vol. 26, No. 1 Spring 2011 25th Anniversary Issue (READ PDF) Mentions: 2

p.2 Advertisement "Canadian Guild of Crafts"
... Featuring works by .... Floyd Kuptana...
p.23 Selected from IAQ:
2008 (Spring) "Floyd Kuptana : Reinventing Myths"

Vol. 25, No. 1-2 Spring/Summer 2010 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p.5 - 17 FEATURE Inuit Art : Markers of Cultural Resilience by Healther Igloliorte
Mentions Floyd Kuptana on p.8 together with others

Vol. 23, No. 4 Winter 2008 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p. 32 - 36 REVIEW - EXHIBITION In The Shadow of The Midnight Sun : Sámi and Inuit art 2000 - 2005 Reviewed by Dorothe Speak
The reviewer calls the "Abductor of Souls" (2005) by Floyd Kuptana, -powerful-, and the "Patriotic Shaman" (2002) an -unconventional interpretation of traditional subjects-
Shown:
- "Abductor of Souls" (2005) Paulatuk and Toronto. Stone, antler, ivory, leather, hair and mirror. 50 x 53.5 cm
- "Patriotic Shaman" (2002) Paulatuk and Toronto. Stone, metal, antler and inlay. 31 x 39.5 cm

Vol. 23, No. 3 Fall 2008 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p. 6 Commercial Galleries. "Floyd Kuptana and Movement Toward a New Vision", a solo exhibition at Maslak McLeod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario. From September 18 to October 31
Shown: Sedna Answering Prayers, 2008.

Impression of Sedna Answering Prayers, 2008, at Gallery Arcturus

Vol. 23, No. 1 Spring 2008 (READ PDF) Mentions: 8

FRONT COVER. Floyd is listed as one of "Today's artists", - Floyd Kuptana Pulling Inuit art out of an old cliché-
Work(s) shown of discussed: Ballroom Dancer, 2005
p.3 Table of Content: 18 IAQ PORTFOLIO "Floyd Kuptana / Reinventing Myths"
Work(s) shown or discussed: Shaman Mask, 2001
p.3 Cover image details
p.7 Editorial "Some New Things" (by MM) Mention of John Norris, who was "quite taken with the work of Floyd Kuptana ..."
p.17 AD Exhibition "Floyd Kuptana, Feb. 20th - March 31 2008". Maslak McLeod Gallery. 118 Scollard St. Toronto On. M5R 1G2 Tel. 416-944-2577 www.maslakmcleod.com
p.18 - 24 Floyd Kuptana / Reinventing Myths (by IAQ staff with files from John Norris)
With a photo of Floyd in Toronto in 2002, by Jason Vanderhill, and images of 14 sculptures
Shown:
- Shaman Mask, 2001. Paulatuk and Toronto. Stone, ivory, antler and metal. 11.5 x 7.5 in.
- Faces, 2007. Paulatuk and Toronto. Steatite, ivory, antler and metal. 15 x 11in.
- Shaman/Bear Transformation, 2000. Paulatuk and Toronto. Stone, antler. 18.25 x 17 x 5in.
- Sea Spirit With Pipe, 200. Paulatuk/Toronto. Stone, antler. 5.25 x11 x 4.25in.
- Sedna Returning from the Moon, 2007. Paulatuk/Toronto. Wood, stone. 7 x 5 x 2.5in.
- Spirit Drum Dancer, 2002. Paulatuk/Toronto. Steatite 15 x 9.5 x 7.5in.
- Howling Wolf, 2006. Paulatuk/Toronto.Steatite. 3 x 1in.
- Floating, 2004. Paulatuk/Toronto. Steatite with base. 17.5 x 11 x 9in.
- My Uncle Returning from the Moon, 2007. Paulatuk/Toronto. Steatite 9 X 10 X 4in.
- Sundown, 2006. Paulatuk/Toronto Stone, antler. 38 x16 x7in.
- Shaman Face, 2006.,Paulatuk/Toronto. Stone, antler. 12 x 7.25 x 5.75in.
- Consider This, 2007. Paulatuk/Toronto. Steatite. 13 X 16 X 6in.
- Sea Spirit Smoking Pipe, 2001.Paulatuk/Toronto. Stone, antler, metal. 6 x 8.5 x 4in.
- Sedna Guiding a Boat, 2005-6. Paulatuk/Toronto. Stone, antler. 24.5 x 34 x 11in.
p.33 AD Native Art Traders, 5225 Old Orchard Road, Suite 45. Skokie, illinois, 60077. Gallery Showroom by Appointment Only (847) 858-4827 new website www.nativearttraders.com
Work(s) shown or discussed: Bear, 2006
p.44 AD Aboriginart Galleries, www.inuit.net
Work(s) shown: "Shaman & Son", 2005 16.5" x 21" x 7.5"
Contemporary & Vintage Sculpture & Prints

Vol. 22, No. 2 Summer2007 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p.4 - 9 AT THE GALLERIES: Public Galleries
p.4 In the Shadow of the Midnight Sun : Samí and Inuit Art (2000-2005), organized by the Art Gallery of Hamilton, at The Winnipeg Art Gallery, from May 19 - August 19, 2007.
Shown (large & colour): Patriotic Shaman,2002 Paulatuk and Toronto. Stone, metal, antler and inlay. 31 x 39.5 cm

Vol. 21, No. 4 Winter (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p.4 - 7 AT THE GALLERIES: Commercial Galleries
p.4 From November 19 to December 23 , 2006, Canadian Arctic Gallery in Basel, Switzerland (Now in Kleinlützel & Klosters). presents Masterworks V featuring new sculptures from artists such as Keogak Ashoona, Axangajuk Shaa, Toonoo Sharky, Jutai Toonoo, Nuna Parr, Adamie Ashevak, Luke Anowtalik, Robert and Floyd Kuptana.

Vol. 17, No. 4 Winter 2002 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p. 10 AT THE GALLERIES Floyd Kuptana's The Dead Calling the Dead, 2002, is part of an exhibition of the same name which opens November 21, 2002 at Toronto's Maslak McLeod Gallery.
Shown: The Dead Calling the Dead, 2002

Floyd Kuptana at Maslak Mcleod Gallery in 2002. Photo by Jason Vanderhill.

Vol. 17, No. 2 Summer 2002 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p. 47 AD: Canadian Guild of Crafts Exhibition, May 17th - July 6, 2002
Abraham Anghik Ruben, David Ruben Piqtoukun, Floyd Kuptana
1460 Sherbrooke W. Montreal, Quebec H3G1K4 (514)849-6091www.canadianguild.com

Vol. 17, No. 1 Spring 2002 (READ PDF) Mentions: 3

p. 5 CONTENTS: 44 DEALER'S CHOICE Maslak McLeod Gallery nominates Floyd Kuptana of Paulatuk. "I try to be alone and create work that is different, my own, something new."
p. 8 AD Exhibition Floyd Kuptana "Father and Son" onening May 4th - 25th, 2001. Maslak McLeod Gallery
Shown: Father and Son Rite, 2000. Paulatuk (Steatite, catlinite (red stone), bone, ivory and steel) 14 x 12 x 10 in.
p. 44 - 45 Dealer's Choice: Floyd Kuptana
Shown:
- Angakok, 2000. Paulatuk (Steatite, bone, ivory and steel) 29 x 13 in.
- Inner Battle, 2000. Paulatuk (Steatite, bone, ivory and steel) 19 x 11 x 6 in.
- Sedna Transformation (Presenting Kudlik), 2000, Paulatuk (Steatite, ivory and steel) 26 x 10 x 6 in.
- Father and Son Rite, 2000. Paulatuk (Steatite, catlinite (red stone), bone, ivory and steel) 14 x 12 x 10 in.

Vol. 16, No. 2 Summer 2001 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p. 34 DEALERS CHOICE: ROBERT KUPTANA
"Robert Kuptana has been carving since childhood, learning by borrowing tools and materialsf rom his older brother Floyd,also a carver"

Vol. 14, No. 2 Summer 1999 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p. 5 AD: David Ruben Piqtoukun Sculpture:from the fragments new talent flows introducing Floyd Kuptana, May 1, 1999 - September 15, 1999
Arctic Artistry inc.original inuit sculpture 2 Springstreet, Hastings-on-Hudson, NewYork 10706(9141478·7179Fax(914)238-4123 email: elaine@arcticartistrv.com www.arcticartistry.com

Vol. 11, No. 4 Winter 1996 (READ PDF) Mentions: 1

p. 42 UPDATE: Qaigit'96 : The Great Inuit Art Fair and Symposium
Visiting carvers included: Mattius iIyaituk (Ivujivik); Nutaraluk Iyaituk (Akulivik); Johnny Sivuarapik (Povungnituk); Oopik Pitseolak (Iqaluit); Manasie Akpaliapik (ArcticBay, now living inToronto); Edward Kabluitok (Rankin Inlet); Joseph Suqsluk (GjoaHaven); Fred Gruben (Tuktoyaktuk); William Gruben (Tuktoyaktuk,now living in Ottawa); Floyd Kuptana (Paulatuk); David Ruben Piqtoukun (Paulatuk, now living in Toronto); Eli Nasogaluak (Sachs Harbour), and John Terriak (Goose Bay)