THE LITTLE RATFISH
mixed media on paper

2026
Carlos Vargas
The Little Ratfish
Mixed Media on Paper
10x8

ARTIST STATEMENT - The Little Ratfish is an experiment in blending human imagination with the fluidity of nature. By mashing up two common, totally different animals, I wanted to create a piece of modern folklore. It balances playful humor with a quiet, unexpected charm.

It’s also a hybrid of different mediums. I wanted to bridge the digital and physical worlds, so I combined detailed digital illustrations with 3D-printed elements. It’s essentially a way to bring a surreal concept into the real world.

The Little Ratfish was created and presented for An Evening of Rats & Fish, accompanied by a conversation between a tuba and a violin”, a community art show hosted by Nth Degree Gallery in Boone, NC. The Nth Degree Gallery is a not-for-profit, member and donation-supported art venue whose goal is to support local artist in the High Country and Surrounding area.