Walleye R Us 2001

Curator: Here we have Larry Stark's print "Walleye R Us." It presents a tightly packed group of fish rendered in soft, almost pastel hues. My first impression is of a kind of muted abundance. Editor: The composition is striking, isn't it? The way the fish are piled, almost overflowing from what appears to be a styrofoam container. I see an intersection of consumerism, ecological impact, and perhaps even commentary on the fishing industry's practices. Curator: I'm interested in the artist's choice of printing technique here. The subtle gradations of tone, the almost imperceptible shift in color across the fish scales, are incredibly labor-intensive to achieve. This elevates the subject matter. Editor: Absolutely. The title itself, "Walleye R Us," reads like corporate branding, but placed against this image, it also suggests questions about exploitation and commodity culture, doesn't it? How we value and consume these creatures. Curator: Thinking about the materiality, the contrast between the refined printmaking and the mundane styrofoam suggests a deliberate commentary on value and disposability. Editor: I agree. Stark is making us consider the life cycle, from the lake to our plate, and the ethical questions embedded within. It's more profound than a simple still life. Curator: Indeed. It invites us to consider our own relationship with the natural world as a manufactured commodity. Editor: Yes, it’s an invitation to look more closely at our own actions.