You see what happens? It’s a slow news day and the DP puts a story about “Blucifer” on the front page. Who or what is “Blucifer,” I hear you ask? Well, if you’ve ever been through DIA you’ll know it’s the electric-blue Mustang sculpture you pass on your way to Arrivals/Departures. He’s about 2 stories tall, has flaming red eyes, and let me tell you, if you’re not expecting an anatomically correct stallion standing on his hind legs glaring at you like he’s guarding the gates of hell – instead of the gates of Southwest Airlines – well, you may be in for a shock. And then there’s the back-story which – if I may be so bold – is even more bizarre. The DP’s version is here. My summary is below. Hold onto your hats, ladies and gents. The ride’s about to get a bit bumpy.
Blucifer’s sculptor, Luis Jimenez, was killed when a two-ton chunk of it fell on him during construction. Since “Mustang” debuted at DIA exactly 13 years ago today – on 2/11/2008 – the sculptor’s widow has devoted herself to protecting the statue’s image in memory of her late husband. And if all that’s not spooky enough for you, I invite you to DIA to get a load of those burning red eyes right after sunset. I guarantee you’ll understand why he would be called “Blucifer” even if he hadn’t pinned his creator against a pole, severing a major artery.
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Giant art in public places is a staple in many cities. Denver is also home to a big blue bear standing on its hind legs peering into a second story window of the Convention Center downtown. Though that one didn’t kill his creator, the sculptor – Lawrence Argent – has since died. But not before he also made a giant red rabbit leaping from the skylights on SMF’s main concourse.
I really like most of the various sculptures at this airport but that stallion is super creepy. Enjoyed revisiting him–at a distance– through your post!