Equestrian sculptor Nic Fiddian-Green has moved from the classical depiction of horses to the ancient oriental for his next exhibition opening in June.
The sculptor was inspired by Chinese horses from the ancient Han and Tang dynasties.
The new works follow on from a new commission from Swire Properties for a sculpture for its headquarters in Hong Kong.
The 16ft bronze sculpture “Horse at Water” (pictured top) was installed at the landscaped garden Via Fiori at Taikoo Place Hong Kong on 28 November.
The Chinese sculpture is the same height as a double decker bus and rests on the surface of a water pool giving an illusion of the horse drinking.
The distinct cracks on the bronze surface are thought to emphasise elements of time and history.
It is the first public sculpture by Nic Fiddian-Green to be installed permanently in Hong Kong.
“I first saw images of the Horses of the Han and Tang Dynasties when I was a young student in London,” said Nic Fiddian-Green.
“Some 30 years later, inspired by the line, the grace and beauty of these ancient Chinese sculptures, I was invited to create my first interpretation for this site at Taikoo Place. The sculptures will to stand as a permanent reminder of the fragile past, an inspiration in the present, and a hopeful belief in the future for all those who may encounter this horse — the most noble of all animals — on their journey to and from their work.”
The sculptor has become known for carving colossal horse’s heads inspired by the Parthenon Horses of Selene, Goddess of the Moon, which he first saw as an art student.
One of his most famous pieces is the 33ft bronze “Still Water” at Marble Arch.
The exhibition opening at Sladmore Contemporary, 57 Jermyn Street, St James’s, London also features Arab stallions. It is runs from 10 June until 31 July.
For more information visit: www.sladmore.com
