Jack Abraham

Jack Abraham is of Yup’ik and Aleut descent. Born in 1956, his earliest introduction into fine art was from the colorful, detailed pictures of old world paintings, depicting events described in his parent’s bible. Too young to be interested in the text, much less understand it, he was fascinated by the art.

Jack began drawing at an early age, but it wasn’t until he was in his late twenties when he discovered a book by Edward William Nelson, “The Eskimo About Bering Straits” with pictures and detailed information of Yup’ik artifacts that his imagination took off. The book contained clear evidence that his ancestors were ingenious people who created a beautiful life in a harsh environment. As a contemporary artist who happens to be of Yup'ik descent, he continues to feel privileged to draw from such a rich heritage. “I have never felt more centered and focused than after learning about the history of my people. I can reach into the future with a firm grip on the past.”

Jack’s sculptures of masks and other artifacts show the influences of Alaska Native cultures using wood, ivory, feathers and fur, while some have components of contemporary life and are wired with electronic parts and batteries. Abraham’s work has toured the country in an exhibition by the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. His works are in the permanent collection of the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, Doyon Native Corporation, Smithsonian Institute, Yugatravik Museum, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Center, and the Alaska Native Medical Center.