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'Demon Horse' Divides Denver

Critics stampede to complain about sculptire of 32-foot mustang with blazing red eyes

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 7, 2009 10:11 AM CST

(Newser) – A fierce controversy has reared up in Denver over a gigantic blue mustang that looms at the gateway to the city's airport, reports the Wall Street Journal. Naysayers complain that a "terrifying" 32-foot sculpture with glowing red eyes isn't the kind of first impression Denver should be giving visitors. A campaign has been launched to move the steed—which fatally crushed creator Luis Jimenez in an accident during assembly.

But local law states public sculpture must remain in place for at least 5 years, and the work is slowly gaining a posse of fans. A city cultural official who has fielded plenty of calls from both sides said that the passion is thrilling—200 people sent haiku to the mayor protesting the piece—and that engaging people is part of the point of public art. "That's when we know we've had a success—when people care," she said.

Construction workers install a mustang sculpture at Denver International Airport on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008.
Construction workers install a mustang sculpture at Denver International Airport on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rocky Mountain News, Chris Schneider)
Construction workers install a mustang sculpture at Denver International Airport on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008.
Construction workers install a mustang sculpture at Denver International Airport on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rocky Mountain News, Chris Schneider)
Construction worker John Van Auken removes a brace as they install the Mustang sculpture at Denver International Airport on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008.
Construction worker John Van Auken removes a brace as they install the Mustang sculpture at Denver International Airport on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rocky Mountain News, Chris Schneider)
Mustang, a 32-foot tall cast fiberglass sculpture by New Mexico artist Luis Jiménez, stands outside Denver International Airport.
Mustang, a 32-foot tall cast fiberglass sculpture by New Mexico artist Luis Jiménez, stands outside Denver International Airport.   (City of Denver)
Critics of the sculpture find its eyes, which glow red by night, particularly unsettling.
Critics of the sculpture find its eyes, which glow red by night, particularly unsettling.   (City of Denver)
Sculptor Luis Jiminez, who was crushed by his creation in an accident during its assembly, saw the mustang as a symbol of freedom, strength and the American West.
Sculptor Luis Jiminez, who was crushed by his creation in an accident during its assembly, saw the mustang as a symbol of freedom, strength and the American West.   (City of Denver)
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A close-up look at Denver's much-maligned mustang sculpture.   (thenorthsider)

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Because of this thing / People think they are in hell / Instead of Denver - One of 200 anti-mustang haikus delivered to the office of Denver's mayor

I know he didn't mean anything demonic by it. I'm sorry if people are afraid of ribs on a horse.
- Susan Jimenez, widow of sculptor Luis Jimenez

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
YetAnotherCollegeKid
Aug 15, 2011 11:36 AM CDT
I am a Denver native and I love the demon horse. Nothing says 'welcome to Denver, I hope you are incapable of feeling fear' like a massive, anatomically correct blue mustang with red eyes. It is our gatekeeper.
riffran
Feb 8, 2009 1:57 AM CST
AAAAHHHHHHHHH DEMON LLAMA!!!!....oops my bad wrong movie.......doesnt denver airport have a bunch of weird creepy artwork on the inside also....I though I heard about it on Coast to Coast with George Norri
Guest
Feb 7, 2009 8:55 PM CST
Notre Denver?!

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