Horton Yertel (Swedish, b. 1964) // One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, 1989 // Acrylic on canvas || This controversial watercolor drew both sharp criticism and unabashed praise at last spring’s “Curators Without Borders” art exhibition. At first perusal this whimsical watercolor appears bright, simple and cheerful. However, upon further inspection, the viewer uncovers the impertinence and loathing permeating this nod to America’s favorite beloved pediatrician Dr. Seuss. In what many art connoisseurs deem to be a humiliating snub to the good doctor, Horton Yertel has purposefully (and perhaps maliciously?) placed multiple fish in the portraits. Furthermore, Yertel utilizes the inclusion of other species of fish beyond the easily recognizable Red Fish and Blue Fish species, effectively turning childhood on its head. Through this gestalt effect, viewers are forced to confront the façade, and emptiness of their own childhoods.