ABSTRACT
This study "Creation of Utilitarian Sculptures derived from Fish Forms" is an expression of ideas generated from nature - guppy and tilapia fish, to support the making of sculptures that possess utilitarian value. Guppies are small active freshwater topminnows mostly kept in aquariums while tilapias are members of the Cichlidae family, with squat body shape commonly known as fin fishes. The objectives of this research are to: (a) produce sculptures inspired by the guppy fish form (b) execute functional sculptures using tilapia as inspiration (c) explore the movement of fish in utilitarian sculpture (d) create abstract utilitarian sculptures using the fish. The framework of this research is based on Andrzej projection that a careful study and analysis of the anatomy of every subject enables the recreation of the subtlest tensions of musculature and movement, and to articulate vision with high levels of accuracy. Functional art refers to aesthetic objects that serve utilitarian purposes. In this research, the word „utilitarian? and functional? is used interchangeably. Muscato maintains that in Mesopotamian art, animals appear both with humans, and alone, indicating their prominence in ancient culture. Animals were respected for their strength, speed, or ferocity and appear in art as representations of those ideas. The study was done in the studio via Practice-Based method. It involved modeling and casting, welding and wood carving. From primary and secondary sources, sketches of the guppy and tilapia fish were produced to understand their features and movement especially in water. The final works produced gives a catalogue of the several traits in these species of fish and more importantly unique utilitarian sculptures. The elegance in guppies and the squat body shape of tilapia allow room for exploration in sculpture. The outline and individual components of these fishes can be manipulated to create an assortment of art expressions. Both abstract and representational ideas of sculptures have been designed bearing flowing and rhythmic figures from the locomotion of fish. Many other species of fish, like the guppy and tilapia, hold unique aesthetic qualities that can be considered and harnessed in creating novel works of art. This study has ascertained the possibility of creating utilitarian sculptures derived from fish forms. It also validates the synergy of guppy and tilapia as patterns that could be incorporated in other art expressions. A total of twelve works were produced, with four in each of the categories - representational, stylized and abstract.