Joining the ranks of artists who look to companion animals for inspiration – among them William Wegman (dogs) and Sandy Skoglund (cats) – photographer Dirk Westphal turns his lens on the smallest, quietest pets of all: fish.
In Westphal’s work, fish appear much larger than life. His new exhibition, “Piscoli Fabulosi” (Latin for fabulous little fishes) is an over-the-top celebration of colorful aquatic creatures.
In these gorgeous, large-format color prints, different species of fish are captured in various expressive poses as they swim through custom-built tanks designed by the artist.
Westphal’s ingenious lighting renders the tank water invisible, so orange-striped amphiprion perculae (clown anemones), multi-hued pomacentridae (damsel fish), or cobalt-blue microspathodon dorsalis (jewel fish) appear to be swimming in pure white space for maximum visual impact.
Studies have shown that gazing upon the residents of a fish tank is so calming, it actually lowers blood pressure. But keeping fish can be stressful: if even one thing in their environment goes wrong, they die.
For fish appreciators who can’t care for these high-maintenance pets, Westphal’s photographs are the next best thing to having an aquarium. In fact, the artist says, “They capture features and distinctive markings that the naked eye can’t possibly see.”
What’s more, the prints are laminated to acrylic, which “mimics the sheen of still, clear water,” Westphal explains.
Pre-framed, the works are sold ready to hang.
“Piscoli Fabulosi,” on view through Aug. 7 at the Chelsea gallery Mixed Greens, 601 West 26th Street, 11th floor; 212-331-8888 (www.mixedgreens.com).