The World of Janet Fish: A Colorful Journey through Her Art

Box of Four Red Apples, 1969–70 | Janet Fish
Preserved Peaches (1975 | five color lithograph | Janet Fish

Janet Fish, an American contemporary artist, is best known for her vibrant paintings, lithography, and screenprinting techniques. Born in Boston on this day May 18, 1938, Fish spent her formative years immersed in the world of art, as her father was an art history professor and her mother a sculptor. This exposure sparked her interest in the visual arts, ultimately leading her to pursue a career as an artist. Fish earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University School of Art and Architecture.

Over the years, Janet Fish has developed a unique style that incorporates the use of bold colors and intricate compositions. Her works often depict everyday objects such as glassware, fruits, and textiles. She is particularly known for her ability to capture the play of light on objects, resulting in a rich and dynamic quality that is characteristic of her art. Fish’s innovative approach to painting has garnered her recognition as one of the pioneers of the Photorealist movement, which emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Cerises (1992) | Color screenprint on paper | Janet Fish

In addition to painting, Janet Fish has also made significant contributions to the field of printmaking, specifically lithography and screenprinting. By employing these techniques, she has been able to translate her distinctive style into a new medium, further expanding her artistic repertoire. Her mastery of these processes has enabled her to create visually captivating prints that are just as compelling as her paintings.

Throughout her career, Janet Fish’s art has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across the United States and internationally. Her work can be found in prestigious collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, and Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The continued appreciation for Fish’s work is a testament to her enduring influence on contemporary art and her remarkable ability to capture the beauty of everyday objects through painting, lithography, and screenprinting.

Curated by Jennifer