Abstract Fish No. 4 (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas about this Work of Art
- This abstract fish sculpture is made up of five crescent shapes on a curved pole. The sculpture is made of bronze that has developed a blue-green patina. This color is the natural result of oxidation (when the copper content in bronze combines with oxygen). The patina layer protects the metal from further corrosion.
- James Prosek is an artist who has been painting and fishing since childhood. He is a leading expert on fly-fishing and has written several books on the subject, including two books for young readers. He is also an acclaimed outdoor and travel writer.
- John James Audubon is one of Prosek’s biggest artistic influences. Audubon painted images of birds for field guides.
Learn More
Often described as a contemporary Audubon, Prosek interprets and depicts the natural world through the lens of his personal experiences. Self-taught artist, natural historian, writer, world traveler, and adventurer, he has observed wildlife in a diverse variety of habitats, including Turkey, Micronesia, Zimbabwe, the Bahamas, the Eastern Seaboard, and the American West. His paintings, drawings, and sculptures explore the human need to classify and categorize nature as a way to understand it.
Here his abstract interpretation of a fish moves beyond realistic representation to capture the essential elements of his subject.
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.
- View photos from the artist’s travels.
- 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