{"id":975715,"date":"2026-08-02T13:07:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-02T13:07:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/975715\/"},"modified":"2026-08-02T13:07:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T13:07:17","slug":"in-the-curators-words-mingei-explores-the-connection-between-people-and-fish-san-diego-union-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/975715\/","title":{"rendered":"In the Curator\u2019s Words: Mingei explores the connection between people and fish \u2013 San Diego Union-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the Curator\u2019s Words<\/strong>\u00a0is an occasional series that takes a critical look at current exhibitions through the eyes of curators.<\/p>\n

With San Diego\u2019s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, it\u2019s no surprise that the Mingei International Museum has opened a dazzling exhibition about fishing. Of the thousands of objects in the museum\u2019s collection, many are related to fishing, so it already had the makings of a solid show \u2014 all it needed to do was reach deep into its vault.<\/p>\n

The exhibit, which features more than 60 works of art, includes pieces by contemporary artists Robert J. Lang, Marianne Nicolson and Aidelen Montoya.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cstrong belief in the value of Indigenous philosophies and ways of being on the land.\u201d And San Diegan Montoya works \u201cat the vibrant intersection of art, science and social justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emily Hannah, the museum\u2019s director of exhibitions and chief curator, takes us behind the scenes of \u201cTo Catch a Fish,\u201d on display through Nov. 1.<\/p>\n

\"Rosendo<\/a>Rosendo Rodriguez\u2019s \u201cMermaid,\u201d a 20th century work made of painted clay that\u2019s part of Mingei International Museum\u2019s \u201cTo Catch a Fish\u201d exhibition. (Ron Kerner)<\/p>\n

Q: First, let\u2019s start with the inspiration behind \u201cTo Catch a Fish.\u201d How did this exhibition come to be?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A:<\/strong> 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 \u2014 fish traps, baskets, hooks, nets, floats, harpoons \u2014 but it also became clear that fish as a subject is important to many people. We found fish adorning clothing, jewelry, pottery, lanterns \u2014 so many things. Fishing is such an important part of San Diego\u2019s history, and we realized it was something worth exploring.<\/p>\n

Q: What are some of the highlights of this show?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A:<\/strong> 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\u2019s also a wonderful video documentary on the history of fishing in San Diego called \u201cTides of Tradition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Artist<\/a>Artist Marianne Nicolson in front of \u201cThe Halibut Hooks\u201d during installation at the Mingei International Museum. (Mingei)<\/p>\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A:<\/strong> 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 \u2014 abundance, health and healing, resilience, a connection to the ancestors, but also divine mystery.\u00a0 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\u2019s a world that people enter at their own risk, but one that sustains them.<\/p>\n