Aggressive hippopotamus in action on one leg with mechanism on the body. Paumelle Foundry. Bronze 2/8.
Thierry Benenati's Hippopodrame is a work that embodies raw power and refined mechanics in a symbiosis as fascinating as it is unexpected. This imposing bronze, depicting a roaring hippopotamus, blends the wild animal with mechanical elements integrated almost organically into its massive body.
The cogs and gears, visible beneath the animal's skin, give this sculpture added depth, suggesting a creature that is both organic and mechanized, as if this hippopotamus was born into a world where nature and machine work together to survive. The patinated metal, a warm, rich brown, accentuates the sense of movement and life, despite the sculpture's inherently static nature.
The Hippopodrame is not only a depiction of formidable force, but also a meditation on hybridity, evolution, and perhaps even the future domination of technology over the natural world. Every detail, from the texture of the skin to the internal mechanisms, is executed with a precision that is a testament to Benenati's exceptional talent.
With a price tag of €43,000, this piece is a bold statement, a prestigious addition to any contemporary art collection where power and innovation are celebrated. It is a testament to the artist's mastery and ability to push the boundaries of traditional sculpture.
