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WSJ -- The mustang rears on splayed hind legs — his nostrils flaring, his eyes glowing red, his taut body a slick, sweaty sheen of blue. Anatomically correct — eye-poppingly so — the 32-foot-tall fiberglass sculpture makes quite a statement at the gateway to Denver International Airport.
But that begs the question: What kind of statement, exactly?
“It looks like it’s possessed,” says Denver resident Samantha Horoschak. “I have a huge fear of flying anyway, and to be greeted at the airport by a demon horse — it’s not a soothing experience.”
Many people here agree, calling the muscular steed a terrifying welcome to the Mile High City.The Denver airport commissioned the sculpture in 1992 from Luis Jimenez, a widely honored artist known for melding Chicano themes and Western history in exuberant sculpture.
Mr. Jimenez was killed working on the sculpture. In 2006, while he was hoisting pieces of the mustang for final assembly in his New Mexico studio, the horse’s massive torso swung out of control and crushed the 65-year-old artist. Mr. Jimenez’s widow and children helped finish the sculpture, and it was installed last February at the airport, at a cost to the city of $650,000.
Listen to the weekend edition of No Agenda for more about the weirdness that is Denver International. See more of DIA’s weird art here.
Thanks to Ian Warner.
I always found this interesting vis a vis Denver Airport. I understand these guys will be building the high speed rails.
http://stewwebb.com/CITI%20Group%20Al%20Qaeda%20Headquarters.htm
What is it with giant horses in the news recently?
First Milan, then Denver, and now over here in the UK – where a national competition for a new artistic landmark has been won by a statue of a giant white horse. According to the artist “a racing thoroughbred is a thoroughly English creation”.
At 50m (164ft) the ‘Angel of the South’ (when has a horse ever been an angel?) will be taller than the statue of liberty, and is due to be finished before the 2012 Olympics.
See BBC video clip: http://tinyurl.com/bvyyoo
Looking for an insight into symbolism of giant steeds? Read this additional BBC article: http://tinyurl.com/abfpjc
The Mustang at the Denver International airport is truly a work of art. I get to look at it blue body and parts??? everyday in my Denver airport Limousine. Yeeee Haaaaa
I like the DIA artwork it creates conversation with tourist going to the Colorado Convention Center
Why does it have Red laser eyes? does anyone know why? Clients in my Denver airport limo ask this question all the time.
Oh no thats so normal, just like everything at and around DIA.
Haha, “terrified”? That’s funny. I’m a Denver native now living in the NW and just saw it for the first time on a trip there. I think it’s different and interesting. If anything, it’s definitely not boring. I think it’s pretty cool and to me is a symbol of the Denver Broncos, who wear blue and orange. For all the people that dislike it: maybe there should have been a vote on what might go there? I don’t have a problem with it, and think the glowing red eyes make it even more cool looking. It’s some trippy artwork, for sure.
Rick, 42
Portland, OR
hahaha, i just saw this under the horse pic above
(Click pic to embiggen.)