About
Constructed from scrap metal and colorful “fish heads” made by the artist, this arrangement of statues is a whimsical version of a merry band of musicians. Borrowing their style from both folk art themes and surrealism, Coughlin sculpted these fish musicians to fit the theme of the riverfront entertainment venue of Laclede’s Landing. Big Mouth Bass Band was inspired in part by the works of Rene Magritte, a Belgian surrealist artist who is known for his paintings of off-beat images. Using materials such as an old ceiling fan, valve covers from a 327 Chevy engine, thermos bottle lids, table legs, bells, a muffler, scrap metal, and enamel-base sign paint, Coughlin purposely chooses these recycled ingredients for his sculptures in keeping with the surrealist notion of changing objects into other forms. Day or night, this humorous and cheerful sculpture brightens up the sidewalk of the Landing in a carefree, lighthearted fashion.
Dimensions: 7′ x 8′ x 3′
Year Completed: 1998
Material: Scrap metal
Owner: Laclede’s Landing
