Inauguration of “The Embryonic Horse” Bronze Sculpture in Floriana, 22nd July 2024
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Proud to announce the inauguration of “The Embryonic Horse,” a bronze sculpture that now graces the historic site near the Wignacourt Water Tower in Floriana. The ceremony, part of the national “Art in Public Spaces” initiative, was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Hon.Omar Farrugia, local authority officials, and members of the public.
The sculpture, created to emphasize the importance of animal welfare and environmental preservation, depicts a horse rolling at play in a cradled position under a canopy of trees. Its placement near the Wignacourt Water Tower, where horses have traditionally been refreshed, underscores the long-standing relationship between the site and animal care.
During the inauguration the Artist gave a heartfelt speech:
“Good Morning,
My name is Rune Bo Jakobsen and I am the artist of the ‘Embryonic Horse’.
I would like to thank you all for coming today for its inauguration!
Just short of noontime and already hot; we are lucky to be standing under these magnificent trees -providing us- and the horse with shade.
Floriana is exceptional for this – hosting a wealth of Gardens – giving animals and humans a connection with Nature – and a respite from the scorching sun.
I feel so fortunate that we finally have realised the ‘Embryonic Horse’ public artwork in this meaningful location – right next to the Wignacourt Water Tower and fountain where horses come to cool down and drink!
Since I was a kid going to a farm near my grandparents’ house in Denmark I used to draw and admire horses- their fascinating anatomy, powerful muscles, their giant dark eyes, walking on their toes and if you were lucky, you might see them enjoying rolling on their back like a playful dog!
The Inspiration to the ‘Embryonic Horse’ sculpture came to me over a decade ago. Living in Valletta I saw first-hand how the carriage horses were suffering in the hot sun for hours slipping uphill on the tarmac – sometimes even collapsing – just for the sake of a tourist pleasure ride. The horse drawn carriage reminds us of a time when horses were the only means of transport, easily navigating through the very narrow shady streets we find in historical village cores today. As progress will have it, cars have since dominated the urban and rural landscape, roads have widened and trees have had to make way for parking spaces.
With the Sculpture I wanted to draw attention to animal welfare and our environment in a positive way – showing a horse at play in a green space- not at work nor in pain – but in harmony with nature.
The Artwork is a happy horse rolling, playing on its back, its legs reaching up towards the dappled light protected under the magnificent tree canopies – curled up almost resembling an embryo in a womb.
The Horse – just like humans, be it the elderly on foot or youngsters on bicycles – thrive in spaces like this here in Floriana.
In the midst of progress we must remember it says alot about a country how we care for animals and how we nurture a safe green environment and future for our children and elderly.
I am certain we can do this and make Malta Green: take inspiration from these gardens in Floriana and our fellow European bicycle friendly green cities; see the potential of Valley road in Birkirkara, walk along the green dunes we designed at the Three cities Waterfront and develop new ways of connecting our little island with with healthy green spaces – good for animals and humans alike!
I want to thank everyone who helped realise my dream:
the Public Works Department,
the Floriana Local Council,
the Bronze foundry Ursino in Sicily,
the Aguis Stoneworks team here in Malta,
Hydrolectric lighting and Perit William Lewis,
my fiancé Keely for her support and equine expertise
and her beautiful mare Tessa for modelling and countless backrolls!
Thank you!”
A poem, specially crafted for the artwork, which can be read on the sculpture’s plaque, encapsulates the essence of the Artist’s message.
For more information about the ‘Embryonic Horse’, the Artist and more of his public artworks, exhibitions and upcoming events, please visit ART STUDIO – RUNE BO JAKOBSEN, Rockerfeller Court, 1 Tower Road, Bkara or online at www.runejako.com.
