Norman Sculpture Raises Questions, Concerns

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- A piece of art is stirring up controversy in two cities 600 miles apart; Norman and Denver.

As the controversy dies down in one place, it has flared up in the other.

When people see the mustang statue on the OU campus, the sight usually evokes a strong reaction.

"I kind of not like the red eyes, that's the most peculiar part of the object," Norman resident Katrina Akarepi said.

"I certainly appreciate a spirit of wilderness and air, but, yes, the red eyes especially during the evening hours give a little bit of a sinister look," Kostas Karathamasis with the OU Music Faculty said.

New Mexico artist Luis Jimenez created the sculpture for OU a decade ago. Almost immediately some people took a dislike to it.

A few years ago someone actually vandalized the sculpture. It was restored by the artist. But now there's another controversy over the mustang--this one in Colorado. Before his death Jimenez was working on a replica of the mustang--only one four times larger. The finished work was installed outside Denver's International Airport last year. Already over 11,000 people have posted on-line denunciations.

"Generally speaking, I think during these tumultuous times we should, we should support art," Karathamasis said.

Luis Jimenez said the huge mustang would be the death of him, and he was right. Jimenez died after part of the uncompleted work fell on top of him. So he didn't live to see the latest flap over his famous horse.

The Denver sculpture was completed well past its original deadline. And its cost of $600,000 was twice the original estimate.