Untitled 

This sculpture of a fish was made by Bahman Mohasses. Though undated, its rough, cast surface suggests much about the artist's approach. The first thing to notice is the way Mohasses has worked the bronze. Instead of smoothing it to a fare-thee-well, he has left all the traces of facture. You can see where the metal was poured, how it cooled, the marks made by tools in finishing. This is significant. Mohasses, though an accomplished painter, was also deeply engaged with sculpture. Leaving these marks shows the importance of material and process. It is a conscious rejection of the slickness we often associate with the art world. The choice of bronze is also worth noting. It is a traditional sculptural material, of course, but it also carries connotations of industry, of the modern world. By combining this material with a relatively rough and ready method, Mohasses is making a statement about the relationship between art and labor. He is reminding us that art is not just about ideas, but also about the work that goes into making things.