Artworks

ONLY DEAD FISH FOLLOW THE RIVER (2014)

Artist Commentary | Ashleigh Sumner April 2023

In 2014, “Only dead fish follow the river” was tagged in an alley way in downtown Los Angeles near my first art studio. It was a graffitied war-cry that I walked past daily for weeks. The LA Department of Public Works eventually covered the statement and various other tags with fresh paint until the next cycle of graffiti cropped up and began the cycle all over again. Though the urban proclamation was painted over and lost forever, the damage was already done; “Only dead fish follow the river” became a mantra seared into my mind like an intellectual branding. Nearly decade later, it’s a declaration that still resonates with me both personally and professionally.

“Only Dead Fish Follow the River,” was created in 2014 during a time when I was living and working in the LA Arts District. Like many young artists trying to find and develop their own voice, I was heavily influenced by the great artists both dead and living. This piece was influenced by the stenciled text works of contemporary artist, Christopher Wool. The work consists of house and spray paint scraped, splattered, and sanded down to the wood frame. The sanding away and deconstructing of materials is a technique I still apply to my practice today. Like other pieces created during 2013 - 2014, a simplified yet worn down American flag is the base layer of this work.

Years later, it was brought to my attention the graffiti tag I witnessed was a slight deviation from a quote by British journalist, Malcolm Muggeridge (1903 – 1990). The exact quotation by Mr. Muggeridge is as follows:

“Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream.”