Margaret K. Haydon’s exhibition Philosopher Fish in the 3D Gallery is concerned with iconic images of an ancient and odd-looking fish, the sturgeon. Stylistically the work is muscular, blending abstract and representative elements to convey both the beauty and the strangeness of this animal. She also includes elements that suggest specific aspects of the life, history and current environmental predicament of the sturgeon. Sturgeon are important creatures historically, genetically, socially and now environmentally. There are twenty-six species left, and many of them are threatened because of dams, pollution and over-fishing. This is a fish so perfectly designed that it has existed in the same form on this earth for two hundred million years. The artist aesthetic interest is enriched with her environmental commitment which is evident through her artistic work as well as activism. As the artist says: “My investigation of the sturgeon has expanded the purpose of my aesthetic activity. My work has become not only an expression of my personal ideas, but also a vehicle for environmental awareness and advocacy. During the past two years I have begun to organize exhibitions and presentations that introduce information on specific aspects of the environment. Partial proceeds from the sale of my work or the sale of representative portfolios are donated to relevant and effective environmental advocacy groups such as the Ocean Conservancy. Forging this direct link between my personal work and social issues has revitalized my life and sparked an increasing interest in other forms of social entrepreneurialism.”
http://www.uwyo.edu/art/faculty/margaret_haydon.html
