Unveiled 2003

“Mounts of the Samurai The Third Day”
by Siri Bjerke

Sculpture, horse.

Mounts of the Samurai The Third Day by Siri Bjerke. Photo: Einar Aslaksen.

Mounts of the Samurai The Third Day

Mounts of the Samurai The Third Day is made of granite, which has been partly polished and partly rough-hewn. The partially unprocessed surface helps to challenge the public’s perception of how a ”finished” sculpture should look. The sculpture depicts a moose and it looks as though the animal is undergoing a metamorphosis: It is on its way to burst up and out of the stone.

The sculpture requires respect for the material’s own quality and substance while the figure advances from the material, in order for us to see what the stone is supposed to portray. The stone can speak its own language. Simultaneously, a few traits point to the animal’s reality.

The artworks of Bjerke, especially Mounts of the Samurai The Third Day are strongly inspired by fairytales, stories and myths. The meaning presupposes recognition of the imitated, but the imitation must surrender to contemplation and obedience to the new that breaks with the traditional.

The size and shape of the sculpture welcomes physical contact. Children are an important audience for Bjerke: She wants them to get inspired to fantasize. To freely act out their own stories associated with animal motifs and to ”want to get on it and ride into an exciting and unknown wonderland”.

Kistefos EA Siri Bjerke Samuraiens Ridedyr 15914

Mounts of the Samurai The Third Day by Siri Bjerke. Photo: Einar Aslaksen.

Kistefos EA Siri Bjerke Samuraiens Ridedyr 15920

Detalj from Mounts of the Samurai The Third Day by Siri Bjerke. Photo: Einar Aslaksen.