Abraham Anghik Ruben was born in 1951 near Paulatuk in Canada's western arctic. He was one of 15 children born to Billy and Bertha Ruben, who followed a traditional lifestyle revolving around hunting and trapping. In 1971 Abraham enrolled at the University of Alaska (Fairbanks) where he studied contemporary art forms at the Native Arts Centre. This was a turning point in his life which provided him with the basic tools to become the master carver as we know today.

Abraham's work is largely shamanistic in theme, with transformation as a focus. His imagery is mainly based on stories told by his grandparents and extended family. Abraham was named after his paternal grandfather, Ruben Anghik, and his maternal great-grandfather, Apakark, a shaman from Alaska near the Bering Sea who was well known for his control of the weather and for his voyages to the moon. Apakark's spirit familiar was a white gyrfalcon, which is often the subject of Abraham's carvings. Abraham's grandmother was also a shaman whose skill rivaled many of the male shamans of the area. Her spirit familiar is that of a serpent. Abraham was an eager student of Inuvialuit mythology and culture, which is apparent in his choice of subject in his carvings.

Abraham's achievements are many. He has work in several important permanent collections over North America, and has had several exhibitions in museums and galleries such as The Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto), The Museum of Civilization (Hull), The Winnipeg Art Gallery, The Prince of Wales Museum (Yellowknife), The Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto), Pollock Gallery (Toronto), The Bayard Gallery (New York) and Appleton Galleries (Vancouver).

The Winnipeg Art Gallery hosted a solo show featuring the highly acclaimed Inuit artist ABRAHAM ANGHIK RUBEN.
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Shaman and Spirit Helper
38" high