Unveiled 2001

“Playing Horse”
by Kristian Blystad

Playing Horse

Playing Horse is carved in diabase, a volcanic rock also called dolerite. The sculpture depicts a horse - perhaps a colt - lying down with its legs stretched towards heaven. The horse is coarsely shaped with large, unprocessed areas. For instance, the legs are not completely carved out, only implied in relief in a bigger mass.

The sculpture’s light and dark areas, and the effect of light and shade that occur in the rock’s uneven surface, contribute to the appearance of playful movement. The horse is something familiar and plays with the viewer’s recognition of the movement being observed. It also challenges the viewer by associating human movements with a horse’s movements.