Scottsdale
Abbott Pattison - Woman and Fish
3939 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale
Located in the fountain outside of Scottsdale City Hall, in the oasis that is the Civic Center Mall above N. Drinkwater Blvd., is Abbott Pattison’s Woman and Fish. This bronze is a piece that begs to be taken seriously, as we see a woman pursuing survival by spearing fish, but the presentation is so comical that it is easy to miss the significance of the figure’s action. The realistically sculpted woman, swimming straight down on top of her prey, is in such an awkward position that it seems outrageous. She cannot see the fish she is trying to catch and she has no leverage for power or speed as she prepares to spear one of the fish. The three fish are presented in a folk art style, looking more like something you would see in a cave painting than in an art museum. This may be part of the message of the piece, the connection between survival and our ancient past. But the impact of the sculpture, especially given the clean aesthetic of the pond that provides the artwork’s background, and the juxtaposition of the underwater scene staged right above the surface of the pool, is one of joy and fun as opposed to contemplating the deep questions asked by this piece.
Pattison was born into a well-to-do family in Chicago, in 1916, who provided him with art lessons at The Art Institute of Chicago. Pattison ultimately went on to earn his Masters of Fine Arts degree from Yale University. He received positive recognition while in school and was even granted a fellowship to travel and study after graduation. During World War II Pattison served in the United States Navy. After the war, and till his death in 1999, Pattison was very successful as a sculptor and teacher. His reputation is international, and he is regarded as one of the pioneers in abstract sculpture. Woman and Fish can be viewed as something of a transition piece as it includes both figurative and abstract elements.
While at the Civic Center Mall, be sure to check out the many art pieces provided by Scottsdale Public Art. You can also view the Greater Phoenix Public Art - Scottsdale page for more detailed information on many of the pieces. If possible, stop by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, located along E. 2nd St., where you will find exhibits of cutting-edge art by both local and international artists.
Last verified 11/2020.
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