Denver's Big Blue Horse Now a National Debate
The Wall Street Journal ran a front page story over the weekend about Colorado's latest public art debate: whether the 32-foot fiberglass blue horse sculpture with glowing red eyes that greets passengers as they drive into Denver International Airport makes the right kind of statement (a hat tip to the Denver Public Relations Blog). Local developer Rachel Hultin began a campaign (as noted in Panorama last month) to rid the city of the horse, which many people say is terrifying, if not demonic, especially to those who have a fear of flying. Following a flurry of local media interest, Hultin garnered about 7,600 supporters to her Facebook group, byebyebluemustang.com. This morning it counted more than 8,200 members. But "uprooting public art turns out to be quite tricky. Especially a piece as emotionally freighted--and as critically acclaimed--as Mustang," the Journal writes. Will the debate ever die down? Not anytime soon. The Associated Press has picked up on the story, too.
Comments
Submitted by Tara (not verified) on Sat, 2010-04-17 17:51.
my favourite parts:
"terrifying, if not demonic, especially to those who have a fear of flying"
and
“uprooting public art turns out to be quite tricky. Especially a piece as emotionally freighted–and as critically acclaimed–as Mustang,”
looool
But seriously though, that thing is downright creepy. I consider myself to be an openminded and art loving person and I dont consider my distaste for that thing to comparable to 'prudish' fears of art that pushes traditional standards like the first commenter suggested. I also don't consider that thing to be on the same artistic level as 'David' or the works of Diego Rivera. Creativity is good and all, but seriously? a giant blue horse with beady red eyes?
It does bring up an interesting question of what is the purpose of public art. Is its purpose always to push boundaries? or is it something just about anyone can beautiful and intreaguing?
Submitted by Andrea (not verified) on Thu, 2010-02-11 23:14.
Creepy, ugly, red eyes???, stupid, idiotic concept.
For those who love this blue piece of crap, well... they're welcome to take it home with them.
How dare the people who used taxpayer dollars to scare the hell out of travelers to and from Denver.
Submitted by Silver Money (not verified) on Wed, 2009-07-15 18:59.
What a piece of crap! The city had the balls to use taxpayer money for something no right minded Denver resident can even stand much less appreciate.
DIA is got enough negativity surrounding it these days. The demon horse just seems to represent that you're heading somewhere bad.
Submitted by Laura Tyler, encaustic painting, "Sister Bee" documentary, L (not verified) on Tue, 2009-03-17 18:52.
[...] It’s been interesting to watch the controversy unfold. My favorite piece of media is this Colorado Public Radio story. You can read more about it in Westword and 5280. [...]
Submitted by tim tindle (not verified) on Mon, 2009-02-09 16:45.
If you agree join this group...
I love DIA's Blue Mustang !
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46445174169&ref=ts
on face book!
Submitted by Tim Tindle (not verified) on Mon, 2009-02-09 16:42.
Imagine if the Mexican government decided to paint over Deigo Rivera's murals in mexico city.
What if too many prude Americans where offended by Davids penis, and the world decided to cover the famous statue?
This has come down to a core issue that many evangelicals have grabbed onto because of a percieved evil. Again proving that people fear what they do not understand.
The sculpture by the artist Luis Jimenez, is a jewel in the crown of Denver achievement. Finally we are becoming a city that embraces creativity. I praise the Mayor,and I praise Erin Trapp of the D.O.C.A. for defending the honor of our city, and the honor of the artists who put thier hearts on the line when submitting public art.
No matter how many, festive sweater wearing,Thomas Kincaid collecting, superstitious fear monger, art hating, sniveling prudes go to facebook and join the group, the art will prevail for at least four years before it is reviewed. Even then, this is not a matter of YOUR opinion, Public art stays.
It is actually great that such dialog is being perpetuated by this piece.
It proves that great art does not have to be pretty to be important.
It proves that no matter the reaction, art is about evoking an emotional response!
Submitted by Beth Partin (not verified) on Wed, 2009-02-11 12:00.
Tim, I joined the I love the blue mustang group. Thanks for the link.
