Fins and Feathers of Fralin

The Fralin Museum of Art is located near the University of Virginia and has free admission. It is home to a wide range of paintings and sculptures, created by artists from different eras. What makes the museum a constant interest is that it switches its exhibits every few months.

One of its current exhibits, Fish and Fowl, focuses on the various aspects of art through a common subject, which are birds and fish. The location of this exhibit can be found in the room across from the front entrance, and though the exhibit is only limited to one room, there are over a dozen different works of art complete with plaques.

There are many works of art that will capture your interest. For example, there is a small hand-sewn cloth titled Appliqué Cloth, which has different images woven in which makes a powerful statement. Another interesting art piece is the photograph Fish Tank. Hagi, Japan. From the viewers perspective, it is a picture of an occupied fish tank with the city of Hagi in the background.

Though it might seem random, there is symbolic meaning to an art exhibition of fish and birds.

“The idea for the exhibition originated from the anthropological theory that humans place connotations onto live animals, and those associated thoughts and feelings are translated into a representation of the animal,” said curator Alicia Dissinger, “Birds and fish have captured imaginations throughout history because they possess innate capabilities – flying and swimming – which we, as humans, do not naturally possess. And those things we do not easily possess, are things we tend to admire or find inquisitive, and want to replicate in art.”

The Fish and Fowl exhibit is open for free public viewing until June 19.