Michael Van Hout (NC, b. 1953), Five Metalwork Fish Sculptures

Late 20th century, assembled of sheet metal with painted application, the group includes five various exotic species in a bold pallet, three signed and dated the other two unsigned.

Longest 20 in.

Private Collection, Brevard, North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina artist Michael Van Hout has made significant contributions to the arts in his community including the Airlie Gardens Bottle Chapel, installations for the Fort Fisher Aquarium, and leading courses for children at the Dreams Center. Van Hout found his career as a sculptor in college while working for the grounds crew. He would collect the wires that bound pine straw bails and construct figures out of them. His enjoyment in the craft led him to declare a BSA in sculpture.

Today, he creates sculptures organically in his studio, using a variety of media. His sculptures are often in motion and embrace a fascination with animals, anatomy, and nostalgia.

Fish resembling a purple tang was areas of paint flaking; otherwise good condition.