In the Curator’s Words is an occasional series that takes a critical look at current exhibitions through the eyes of curators.
With San Diego’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, it’s no surprise that the Mingei International Museum has opened a dazzling exhibition about fishing. Of the thousands of objects in the museum’s collection, many are related to fishing, so it already had the makings of a solid show — all it needed to do was reach deep into its vault.
The exhibit, which features more than 60 works of art, includes pieces by contemporary artists Robert J. Lang, Marianne Nicolson and Aidelen Montoya.
Lang is a noted American physicist who just happens to be one of the foremost origami artists in the world. Nicolson is a Canadian artist and activist who has a “strong belief in the value of Indigenous philosophies and ways of being on the land.” And San Diegan Montoya works “at the vibrant intersection of art, science and social justice.”
Emily Hannah, the museum’s director of exhibitions and chief curator, takes us behind the scenes of “To Catch a Fish,” on display through Nov. 1.
Rosendo Rodriguez’s “Mermaid,” a 20th century work made of painted clay that’s part of Mingei International Museum’s “To Catch a Fish” exhibition. (Ron Kerner)
Q: First, let’s start with the inspiration behind “To Catch a Fish.” How did this exhibition come to be?
A: We are a museum of folk art, craft and design, and we have this incredible collection of 30,000 objects from around the world. These are handmade objects that are useful in everyday life. We had many things related to fishing — fish traps, baskets, hooks, nets, floats, harpoons — but it also became clear that fish as a subject is important to many people. We found fish adorning clothing, jewelry, pottery, lanterns — so many things. Fishing is such an important part of San Diego’s history, and we realized it was something worth exploring.
Q: What are some of the highlights of this show?
A: A huge carved wooden water trough in the shape of a mermaid from Myanmar, gorgeous glass fishing floats from Japan made from recycled sake bottles, and colossal basketry fishing traps from the Philippines, to name a few. There’s also a wonderful video documentary on the history of fishing in San Diego called “Tides of Tradition.”
Artist Marianne Nicolson in front of “The Halibut Hooks” during installation at the Mingei International Museum. (Mingei)
Q: One of the most exciting aspects of this exhibition is a newly commissioned work by Marianne Nicolson. Tell us a little bit about her, her work as an artist and this new work.
A: Marianne Nicolson is an Indigenous, First Nations artist from British Columbia, located on the coast of Canada. Her home village is on a beautiful inlet and much of traditional life is oriented toward the water, both the rivers and the ocean. They are fisherpeople and hold many sacred beliefs about the underwater realm. She created this beautiful image of a traditional painted housefront, covered with halibut fish, orcas, oolichan, salmon and others. This house, though, is underwater and belongs to the chief of the underwater kingdom. Handmade halibut hooks are suspended from the ceiling, so when you enter this area of the gallery, you know you are underwater. The work calls attention to the contrast between the way that Indigenous people fish and regard nature, and the ways that industry and commercial fisheries have impacted fish populations and therefore Indigenous lifeways.
Q: This exhibition showcases fishing in a variety of ways, including a utilitarian view as well as a spiritual and symbolic perspective. To help viewers deeply engage in the show, what tips can you share with viewers?
A: I think viewers will notice how many cultures around the world have sacred stories about fish, from the major world religions to more localized faith traditions. Fish, it turns out, symbolize many things to people — abundance, health and healing, resilience, a connection to the ancestors, but also divine mystery. Through technology and sport, people can now see into the deep water and the amazing aquatic life under the surface, but that domain still retains its mystery, and it is not without danger. It’s a world that people enter at their own risk, but one that sustains them.
Japanese mattress cover (Futonji), c. 1800-1880, by an unidentified maker is part of Mingei International Museum’s “To Catch a Fish.” (Ron Kerner)
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Japanese mattress cover (Futonji), c. 1800-1880, by an unidentified maker is part of Mingei International Museum’s “To Catch a Fish.” (Ron Kerner)
Q: As curator, do you have a favorite piece, among the 60 or more, that you’d like to point out? Perhaps it’s something that could easily be overlooked but should not be — a hidden gem, perhaps?
A: Robert Lang’s “Vertical Pond” is astonishingly beautiful — it’s an entire wall teeming with origami koi fish. He created it after his home burned in the Eaton Fire. But I also love an exquisite classic Atlantic Salmon fly – a tiny fly fishing lure made with beautiful feathers.
Q: Lastly, when viewers walk out of the Mingei, what is it you hope they take away from having just seen the exhibition?
A: I hope they have experienced joy and wonder at seeing so many beautiful objects related to fish, and I hope they leave with a renewed appreciation for our waterways as a habitat for so many life forms. I hope they leave a fish tale or a fish drawing in our guest book.
Mingei International Museum presents “To Catch a Fish”
When: Through Nov. 1
Where: Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego
Admission: Free to $15 (various discounts available)
Phone: 619-239-0003
Online: mingei.org