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

Lot Details & Additional Photographs

1996, assembled of sheet metal with painted application, including a lion fish (17 x 17 1/2 x 11 in.), a puffer fish (9 x 18 1/2 x 5 in.), (3) parrot fish (13 1/4 x 20 x 1 3/4 in.), and a small damselfish with wall mount (3 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 5 1/4 in.), all with wire and hooks for display, and all signed and dated save the small damselfish.

Private Collection, 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.

Good estate condition.