A sculpture inspired in the Grand Champion of the criollo horse breed at the 124th Exposición Rural del Bicentenario, by Vivianne Duchini, will form part of the Plaza del Bicentenario (Bicentennial Park) which is located on the grounds at Palermo.
The work of art was done as a legacy of the 125th Exposición Rural for coming generations, a hommage to the breed most linked to Argentina's history, and a contribution towards the vast buildings of the exhibition centre at Palermo.
The sculpture, which took six months to be made, is of polished, cast bronce, and represents the real size of the animal, height of 1.45 metres and 1,70 metres long, and a weight of more than 700 kg.
It will be placed in the Plaza del Bicentenario, which is a monument situated at the feet of the traditional mast, together with the bull made of cast iron by French sculptor Isidore Bonheur. The patrimonial ensemble and historic monuments of the Rural is surrounded by the The Central Ring, Equine Pavilions and Main Grandstand, the Central Restaurant and Frers Pavilion.
Duchini also went ahead with preparatory studies for this work of art, 34 cm high. These pieces, of a huge symbolic and historic value, will be put up for sale. One of them will be donated by the Sociedad Rural Argentina and will be auctioned during a solidarity luncheon scheduled for July 19th at the Rural's Red Pavilion, organized together with Solidagro and the Fundación Sociedad Rural Argentina.
Regarding the Plaza del Bicentenario
.The Plaza del Bicentenario is a monument which commemorates the 200 years of the Nation and which was inaugurated during the 2010 Exposición Rural. It is located at the feet of the mast, one of highest masts in Buenos Aires, and where the Argentinian flag waves.
.It gives proof of a strong federal impression, with the lettering in low relief corresponding to the names of the states and a green area which includes vegetation representing each of country's regions. The main plaque shows a timeline in which the country's major historic landmarks can be seen. Another plaque includes the National Emblem and the Buenos Aires City Government's Emblem.
.Inside it shelters an urn containing the public's messages left there during the Rural del Bicentenario, for coming generations that will be present for the Tricentenario, together with a message from the Sociedad Rural Argentina.
About Vivianne Duchini
.An extraordinary animalist, Vivianne Duchini carries out sculptures of animals with the mastery which is typical of all the renowned names of this specialty.
.She works using wax or clay, and her work is later molten in bronce. Modelled with sensitivity and deep knowledge on the matter, her sculptures capture gestures, postures and movements of the animals, so much so that they appear to be alive. What she is most interested in is to crystallize a determined moment, and to seek the exaltation of the animal world's beauty.
.Vivianne Duchini was born in Buenos Aires in 1962, she studied History of the Arts at the University of Buenos Aires, at the Escuela Superior de Bellas Artes "Prilidiano Pueyrredón" and at the workshops of masters Aurelio Macchi, Rubén Locaso and Leo Vinci.
.Many of her works of art belong to the collections of important equine institutions, and to horse breeders of our country and from abroad.
About the criollo breed of horses
The criollo horses are at their best moment of their history, with about 7,500 births per year in Argentina. They are also very successful in Brazil. They have always been the gaucho's companion, and are ideal for work in the country, they are low and do not reach a height of more than 1.48 metres. In our country, there are about 900 breeders of criollo horses, and a few years ago, the services of the leading stallions began to be marketed.
About the horse on which the sculpture was inspired
This sculpture is inspired on the criollo horse named Maneador Carnavalito, who was the great champion of this breed at the 124th Exposición de Ganadería, Agricultura & Industria Internacional del Bicentenario (in 2010). It was also the great champion in Expo Pasaporte de Las Flores and in Nuestros Caballos 2010.
Maneador Carnavalito was fathered by Charque Capricho (that fathered four great champions). Its Grandfather from the paternal side also fathered four great champions. The mother and Grandmother were brought up at cabaña San Gabriel, in Tandil, Buenos Aires province.
Step by step in carrying out the sculpture
The Great Champion of the Bicentenerio exhibition was the model for the artist, who visited the animal several times so as to capture its personality.
A lifesize metal structure of the animal was made.
With this structure as a basis, Duchini modelled the horse's robust body in clay, taking note of each detail of its anatomy.
In the casting
The structure is covered with clay, by parts, with wax, giving shape to the moulds that later receive the liquid bronce, which then hardens when it cools down.
Given the sculpture's considerable size, it is done in various parts.
The bronze parts are later soldered together.
The patina gives it its final and definite aspect, emphasizing its reliefs, darkening the cavities, and giving a proper finish to the molding.
About the Exposición Rural
The 125th edition of the Exposición de Ganadería, Agricultura & Industria Internacional - Exposición Rural 2011 takes place between July 14th and 25th at La Rural, Predio Ferial de Buenos Aires. With the participation of more than 400 exhibitors from all line items related to the agricultural sector, more than 4,000 animals, and a number of family activities.
General access: 20 pesos. Children up to eight years old, free access to the exhibition. Entry gates are on Av. Sarmiento 2704. For more information plesase log into www.exposicionrural.com.ar
