Elephants are dignified gentle giants.
Why would anyone want to teach them to stand on a ball?
This brass sculpture has replaced a Henry Moore that was out front of the AGO for almost 40 years.
Acclaimed contemporary artist Brian Jungen, from British Columbia designed it as a poetic tribute to the plight of creatures in captivity.
To read about this sculpture click on the pic below.
Pics taken by Resa – December 21, 2022
Toronto, Canada
The Artist:
CLOSE UP DETAIL
Below is the Henry Moore it replaced.
Graffiti Lux Art & More 
I think the piece does make you think about how elephants are treated. Thanks for sharing this Resa OX OX OX OX
Dear John,
I would let all the elephants, oxen, skunks, mice, rats (they’d have to have their own corner house) lots of sponges, wild cats, etc… live with me if it was possible. I see why people dedicate their lives to help wildlife.
However, I didn’t think about that until I had devoted a lot of my life to the film industry and cats.
Still, art can help, and I think this piece is speaking!
OX 🐘 OX 🐘 OX 🐘 OX 🐘
Very true, Resa. I like your OxyElephant OX 🐘 OX 🐘 OX 🐘 OX 🐘
Whoa! That’s a real balancing act. Really cool piece.
I agree, it’s a masterful piece, and has a great message. xx
These are amazing Resa, I love these beautiful animals and this artist/ sculptor did Justice to their majesty. ❤️
I agree! It breaks my heart how we treat our planet’s animals.
Art and artists need to take off where the media leaves off.
“I just gotta get a message to you”.
🐘 ❤️ 🐘
So true, it’s appalling how man is devastating our planet and resources and destroying life when it is our responsibility to care for earth and it’s inhabitants. A beautiful series of art dear Resa.
📝xoxoxo 🐭🐭🐘🐘
Yeah, it’s a powerful message! 📝xoxoxo
Okay send more sun! The sun you sent yesterday got here around 3:00, and it was dusk at 4:00 then night at 4:45!
They said partly sunny today LIE!!!
x🐭🐭🐘🐘o
They lie!!!! It was sunny today and the forecast is for sun and temps in the mid 70’s. Will send as much as possible! xoxoxo
xoxoxo
We got 4 mins. today. The extra sun you sent took one peek, and got out of town before the sleet!
Rats! I can’t believe the sun I sent took off at the first sign of trouble! Sleet is miserable ( as if I would know, 🧐).
xoxoxo
Hi Resa, this is a thought provoking sculpture by a talented artist but I think I prefer to see Elephants in their “own environment” and so the paintings by the artist David Shepard will always catch my attention. When you see a Shepard painting you know exactly who painted it….and when you get close up you can see every line and wrinkle on the Elephant’s skin and the depth in their eyes – just awesome. Thanks for the share.
Hello Tyeth!
I agree, and I am off to check out some of David Shepard’s work!
Thanks for the tip!
Hi there, David Shepard made his name with his Elephant artworks but he also painted the big cats too. If you check out davidshepard.org you should see some it displayed there (and for sale – though I am in no way connected to the foundation ok!)
I thought there was something disturbing about this sculpture when I first saw it. Thank you for providing the contextual information.
You are welcome, Liz! I was angered when I saw this! Then when I investigated, I was moved.
Who ever came up with the idea that an elephant on a ball was a cute idea is probably with Hades now.
Right along with the people who think it’s a dandy idea to force bears to dance for tourists. Bears belong in the woods.
AGREE!!! I hated the zoo (animal prison… which today has become their safe zone) since I was 8 years old, and the circus. As much as I loved the flying trapeze and tightrope… I could never like seeing lions whipped, bears dancing, seals with balls, etc.!
Count captive performing dolphins and whales as well.
Sickening! I’ve never been to a Marineland. Never will be.
Sea World was boycotted here , they were forced to release their Orcas and Dolphins and other large sea mammals. Now they only keep sea creatures for rehab! Yay 🐬
I think I remember seeing something about that on the news.
Thank you Liz, it was on the news alot here in Florida. I was glad to see the release of those sea animals.
You’re welcome, Holly.
I remember, too! Our Marineland at Niagara Falls, Canada was investigated. It had to rehabilitate its animals. Some were released. Some are too, old and have gone to humane penned in homes in the ocean.
Marineland is being replaced by:
Universal Studios Canada is an upcoming Universal theme park in Niagara Falls, Ontario that will open in 2023 replacing Marineland of Canada.
We need to quit stealing the animals’ habitat, quit polluating where they’re stuck living, and leave them alone to live in the wild where they belong.
Agree!
We also need to find a better alternative to factory farms. Talk about animal cruelty & suffering!
Embracing a more plant based diet is a good start.
I think there’s too big a leap between cows, chickens, and pigs crammed into filthy cages and the nice, clean shrinkwrapped packages in the supermarket.
Unfortunate!
A trip to an abattoir could cure that.
Personally, the shrink wrap doesn’t fool me. I see an animal’s flesh behind it.
I think you’re right about a trip to an abattoir.
A very interesting piece of art. Being made of trashed furniture makes the point clearer (I know – bronze, but bronze furniture). Anyway, good message.
This looks very cool in real life! At first I was horrified. Then when I looked into it, I realized this person’s message was how I think and feel.
Yet, Trent, I think many go past it and think “how cool is that? An elephant on a ball”.
Cheers to you!
Animals are just part of a circus sideshow, right? They like it that way, I’m sure… Sorry, it does drive me crazy that people see it like that and am sorry that art like this often goes over their heads.
It’s a fascinating sculpture, and the message behind it is moving, Resa. Elephants belong in the wild, safe and free. ❤ ❤
Agree! I love animals. I want them to be wild and free, too.
Domesticated animals are a different tale. They belong in loving forever homes. ❤ ❤
Yup, dogs need a sofa and a bed. And cats need laps.
A very powerful, disturbing sculpture. Thanks for spotlighting it, Resa. Yes, elephants and other creatures deserve much better treatment than many of them get. 😦
Unfortunately, many humans disagree. Animals are lesser creatures, we are dominant and therefore we can do what we want.
Best thing I ever did for myself in my life was become a vegetarian. That opened many thought channels in my mind to new ideas.
My career is second.
You’re right, Resa, that many humans unfortunately feel far superior to animals — who are of course sentient, wonderful beings with strong feelings and emotions. It’s absolutely great that you’re a vegetarian; as we’ve discussed, I am, too — since the mid-1990s, and vegan for the past two years.
Yahoo for us!
I’m almost vegan…95%.
I had an issue with my bones about 15years ago…they were disappearing.
I added pizza with mozzarella to my diet, cottage cheese and bocconcini… no taste cheeses.
Along with calcium supplemented orange juice, my bones stabilized.
Whew! I buy only cheese from free range farms that treat animals humanely! They have my undying gratitude!
Your diet sounds great, Resa! Totally understandable why you have to have some dairy, and wonderful that you get it from humane places!
This is super interesting. I’m always amazed at how artists not only create something out of nothing, but how they express an important message at the same time. I’m glad to have read the background on the elephant sculpture.
What a beautiful sculpture and I love that it was created to show the horrid plight of animals in circuses (which you will NEVER see me attend). xoxoxo
I hate the circus, and the zoo.
It’s harsh that zoos and wildlife refuges are now important to survival of species.
Sometimes – “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” 🐘⚡️💥🐘
Me too. I think of those years when we brought the kids to the zoo. And yet, when we went to Cuba, my kids and me, when I asked if they wanted to swim with the dolphins, I was so proud of them for saying NO! They should never be locked up…
The only zoo I approve of is like the one we have west of Montreal. They are all rescues and can no longer be let out into the wild as they would not be able to defend themselves. So they become teachers to all who visit them. It’s beautiful. 👸✨
Resa, a great looking sculpture. I’d like to see circus animals flip the script and make their trainers do the tricks instead. That would be a circus I’d pay to see. We can do better as a society and treat animals with respect instead of entertainment.
I agree! Also, we are running out of animals.
I’d love to see more people embrace a plant based diet. I’m not preaching full vegetarianism, or veganism, but less meat and more plants.
Perhaps that way we wouldn’t need those horrid factory farms anymore. Breaks my heart.
This sculpture is really neat, the images inspired me to do a drawing of a elephant tomorrow maybe
Hello Chris!
I’m quite behind in my blogging, so pardon for the late reply.
I’ll be by in awhile to see if you did an elephant! Good one!!!!!
Thank you Resa! I had been making blog posts about different artists around the world recently as well as drawing
Sounds good!
What amazing balance, Resa, and quite a sculpture.
I was upset when I first saw it. However, once I realized it was a protest piece, I calmed down.
this is a powerfully moving sculpture and message
Agree! It was beautiful, but difficult to digest what I was seeing when I first laid eyes on it.
Resa – your photographs are exquisite, bringing the profound message of this sculpture to life. Thank you for the link to the back story. I would never have guessed how Brian Jungen created this extraordinary artwork.
“Jungen modeled second-hand leather furniture into the figure of a performing elephant, measuring five and a half meters long, and four meters tall.”
Don and I enjoyed this post immensely. You are so lucky to see this sculpture in person.
I knew I answered this! I just put it in the wrong place.
I wrote:
Dear Rebecca,
The sculpture is magnificent.
I thought of you immediately.
I always think of you when I go by the AGO.
I also thought how pleased you’d be that the artist was from B.C., a place where nature counts more than many other places, and with a rich history of aboriginal art. After all, he is part Indigenous, part European.
On another note: Many Torontonians are shell shocked to see their beloved Henry Moore put out to pasture.. albeit in a park near by.
It had graced that spot for about 35 years. I’ve lived in Toronto for almost 40 years, and do not recall any other sculpture on that spot.
You and I have had a couple of conversations about Henry Moore. The largest collection of his art resides in the AGO.
There is a lot to say about that.
Yes, Henry Moore was not making such a social social/political statement. Or, was he?
Times have changed.
Many thought Moores sculpture was scathing… indecent, way back when.
I always saw that sculpture as sexual in content.
2 bodies,,, in those positions warmed me.
Most just wanted to sit on it, and have their pic taken.
HUGS
Resa – this is wonderful information. I have saved your comments and will be going back to learn more about Henry Moore. I was very pleased that the artist was from B.C., but I understand completely that there is poignancy in seeing Henry Moore’s sculpture in a different location.
I just read/viewed the AGO post Close Looking: Henry Moore in Grange Park (August 23, 2023)
https://ago.ca/events/close-looking-henry-moore-grange-park
I love travelling the art pathway together!! Sending hugs!
Great idea behind this sculpture -you already know my views on captivated wild animals and how much I detest circuses and zoos. May they all find freedom one day!
Solidarity paw waves from Hera too! 😉 xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Your views are my views, dear Marina.
Hera’s views are mine too.
Although the planet is running out of sponges!
xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽
I was thinking about that!
I’d take swimming if I were you!!!
🏊🏻♀️😘🐾🏊🏻♀️😘🐾🏊🏻♀️😘🐾🏊🏻♀️😘🐾🏊🏻♀️😘🐾
No worries! I have a bronze badge in swimming! I’m sure it’s like riding a bicycle. Once I start treading, no problemos! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Great!!!!!!! I can let her go wild then! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Thank you for sharing this poignant work, Resa. I hate seeing animals in captivity and forced to perform. I like, too, how the sculptor recycled materials to make the sculpture.
It is so poignant. I was outraged at first. Then I learned the artist’s intent and message.
The artist calls it -Repurposed Consumer Goods. That is what I make my Art Gowns out of.
I’m thrilled to be, although an unknown, part of this new age idea of art.
Yes, I meant to write that that is how you do your gowns, too. 🙂
This highlights the importance of art. It makes us dream, believe, aspire, ponder and learn about our world in so many ways.
Agree! What we learn about what we have done to animals makes us the true animals.
It does!
Elephants are amazing and this sculpture’s message is profound. They should be free in the wild, living without fear of poachers. Thank you for sharing, Resa. xo
So happy you read this, Lauren!
The planet is mighty crowded, but we need to leave space for the animals…. and not just in zoos and preserves. xoxo
HI Resa, it is interesting to think of an elephant, the world’s largest land mammal, balancing on a ball. It has always intrigued me that elephants have a reputation for being gentle. Of all the wild animals, I am the most wary of elephants because they can, and will, attack people in cars if they are provoked. An enraged elephant will roll a vehicle and trample it. I read recently about an elephant handler whose charge turned on him and killed him by trampling him to death.
Roberta,
You have a special perspective on the elephant. You live where they live.
They are massive, and I am sure they can impose a lot of harm if they so choose.
For whatever reasons they become enraged and/or dangerous, it is not right to make circus slaves of them. Nor, to kill them for tusks.
Perhaps they are sick and tired of humans occupying their land, imprisoning them or killing them for tusks?
I love all animals… even ones that might eat me… so I give space & respect.
Thank you so much for this informed comment.
It is so cool to have a blog pal that lives in Africa. Your perview is as exotic as you are.
xoxo
Hi Resa, I too have a great love of, and respect, for nature. Many wild animals can be trained but not tamed and lots of people don’t understand the difference. I do love elephants.
I know you do! Your Sir Chocolate books show lots of love, and your posts are all positive.
I’m so excited to do a post about your children’s books!
I just finished some drawings of Aster for my review of “Necromancer’s Daughter”. It is deeply dark here every day. I can’t take pics in such dim light, so I have set up the lights Tim sent me.
I’ll shoot the drawings tomorrow. Then I can get on with the post.
Hahaha! I just checked the forecast. Apparently we have 1 sunny day, 1 partly sunny over the next 2 weeks.
So, I’m hoping to have the post done on Sunday. LOL!
Honestly, a person could go mad with such little sun and such short days 😵💫 & long nights. 🤗
Hi Resa, I am so delighted you like Michael and my Sir Chocolate books. They are supposed to be positive and filled with creativity and fantasy for children. I am very excited to see your pictures of Aster. I want to see how you captured her. I, of course, have my own ideas in my head. I am pleased you have those lights from Tim. I don’t know darkness like you describe, other than from literature and blogs, but it sounds a bit difficult for the spirit. We have sun nearly all year around here and there is only about a 90 minute difference between sunset and sunrise between winter and summer. I like our climate and I love our bush and animals. Lots of love to you, Resa.
Yes, all that darkness is a spirit squasher.
There are lots of depressed folks here in the winter. They say taking vitamin D helps. I do that, and being creative creates a sunshine of its own.
😘🤗
It does, I think that too.
Looks like a fossil elephant. . Very impressive and we feel the dynamisme in that sculpture, Resa.
Love ❤
Michel
It’s a heavy duty sculpture, both in technique, and message!
So happy you got to see it!
Resa xo ❤
Very successful art work; Thaks Resa to show us the wonders of Toronto
Thanks for sharing this, Resa. Hugs.
Welcome, Teagan! Hugs!
Beautiful art. Although I must agree, I don’t see the significance of a 5,000 pound animal confined to a ball. Hugs ❤ xx
Agree! I’m sure the animal would be happier in the wild. Hugs ❤ xx
❤ ❤
🤗😘
Such a beautiful piece of art with such a strong meaning behind it! Thank you so much for sharing!
You’re welcome! It is a special piece.
It definitely is!
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Wow, the message is expressed very well with this sculpture. Well done to the artist. Thanks for bringing it to us here, Resa.
It’s a good one!
I wonder if that context is too subtle for most who pass by. It’s a definite improvement over the Henry Moore (IMHO)!
Well well well, look who thinks they’re the circus stars now, standing on those puny balls! I may not be able to balance on a ball, but at least I can climb a tree. #monkeybusiness
Nice and unique 👌👌
Awsome!
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I think they should have left the Henry Moore. Circus elephants are being phased out together with the circuses and their freak shows. This I suppose is progress. But too slow. And too slow to save the elephants.
I miss the Moore.
It is sad about the elephants and many other species human is wiping out. Many think we’re superior. I think not.
Agree. And if we wanted be superior we would treat elephants and all wildlife – not to mention all humans – with respect.
Agree! You are my kind of mind, Bumba!