Abstract Fish No. 4 (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas
- This bronze sculpture is an abstract interpretation of a fish. It uses shape, form, color, and line to represent the essential elements of a fish.
- The surface of the sculpture has developed a blue-green patina that protects the metal from corrosion. This color is the result of the copper content in bronze being exposed to oxygen.
- James Prosek is a self-taught artist best known for his sculptures, paintings, and drawings. He has also written more than a dozen books about fish and fly-fishing.
- Prosek co-founded a nature conservation program to help preserve native trout species worldwide.
- One of Prosek’s biggest inspirations is the work of artist John James Audubon, who painted life-size images of the birds of America.
Learn More
This abstract sculpture does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a real fish. It uses shape, color, form, and line to capture the essence (the basic or most important qualities) of a fish. The sculpture is made of bronze that has developed a blue-green patina. This color is the natural result of oxidation, the process that occurs when the copper content in bronze combines with oxygen. The patina layer protects the metal from further corrosion.
James Prosek is a self-taught artist who creates sculptures, paintings, and drawings. His work explores the human need to classify and categorize nature in order to understand it. He interprets and depicts the natural world based on his personal experiences.
We allow ourselves to believe that nature can be explained. In the process we confine nature to those explanations.
James Prosek
In addition to being an artist, Prosek is a naturalist, environmental activist, writer, and fly-fishing expert. He has written more than a dozen books about fish and fishing, including two books for young readers. Many of his books are illustrated with his watercolor paintings of fish. In 2004 Prosek and environmentalist Yvon Chouinard founded a conservation initiative called World Trout. Their program raised money for habitat conservation through the sale of T-shirts featuring Prosek’s trout paintings.
Prosek has been referred to as the “Audubon of the fishing world.” John James Audubon painted hundreds of life-size images of birds in The Birds of America (published between 1827 and 1838). Audubon’s work is one of Prosek’s biggest art inspirations.
Additional Resources
Resources for Teachers
- Read an article about Prosek’s work.
- Watch a video of the artist talking about his love of fly-fishing.
- Watch a video of the artist’s TED Talk.
Resources for Students
- Watch a video about Prosek’s artistic process.
- Visit the artist’s website to read about his work and his conservation efforts.
- View paintings by John James Audubon, an artist whose work inspired Prosek.
Images
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Abstract Fish No. 4
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Abstract Fish No. 4
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Abstract Fish No. 4