Created by Stephen Fairfield, “Ask the Fish 2.0” is a fusion of the natural and the urban. His sculpture was featured in the third Art in Roanoke temporary exhibition from 2015-2016. The hand and the fish symbolize nature and creation as well as covey humankind’s dominion over the natural. As Stephen states, “ this dominion enables humanity to build urban environments while still cherishing creation.” The fish’s skin is made of holographic film which diffracts both day and night, shimmering different colors as the viewer changes positions. The diffraction of the scales is often found in nature through fish scales and bird fathers while the holographic material represents the “Natural City theme of the sculpture exhibition.” On the application cover page for the exhibition, Fairfield also said that the sculpture is inspired by the scripture Job 12: 8-10:
8
“Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you;
And let the fish of the sea declare to you.
9
“Who among all these does not know
That the hand of the LORD has done this,
10
In whose hand is the life of every living thing,
And the breath of all mankind?

About the artist:
A visual artist for almost 40 years, Stephen Fairfield has specialized in public art for the past 12 years. Whether with new media interactive creations or static sculptures, his passion is to create dynamic tension and motion, transforming passive observers into active participants who become engaged in the actual creation or completion of the artistic expression. He is the lead artist and founder of The New Media Public Art Collective, a collaboration that includes an artist electrical engineer, two architects, a media/3D and special effects artist, and an artist who specializes in concrete sculptures. Since 2004 they have completed 19 site-specific installations. Visit his website at newmediasculpture.com

In the temporary exhibition, Art in Roanoke from 2015 to 2016, artists were asked to blend nature with the urban for the theme “The Natural City.” The show was held in the then newly renovated Elmwood Park for about 18 months.

Sourced from:
The Natural City: ARCHIVES