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Cow Parade series


Cow Parade series
Photo Information
Copyright: ROBERTO INTILE (rintile) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1110 W: 67 N: 2046] (10899)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-04-14
Categories: Humorous, Artwork
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/125 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-04-14 19:48
Viewed: 256
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is DivaCow

CowParade is an international public art exhibit that has been featured in major cities all over the world. Fiberglass sculptures of cows are decorated by local artists, and distributed over the city centre, in public places such as train stations, important avenues, and parks. They often feature artwork and designs specific to local culture, as well as city life and other relevant themes. After the exhibition in the city, which lasts many months, the cows are auctioned off and the proceeds donated to charity.

There are a few variations of shape, but the 3 most common shapes of cow were created by Pascal Knapp, a Swiss-born sculptor who was commissioned to create the cows specifically for the CowParade series of events. Pascal Knapp owns the copyrights to the standing, lying and grazing cow shapes used worldwide in the CowParade events.

The concept of "cow parade" has its origins in Zürich, Switzerland, in 1998[1] by artistic director Walter Knapp, it is based on an idea which was realised in the same city for the first time in 1986: Lions as the symbol of Zurich were painted and then on display throughout the city.

The Zürich exhibit 1998 was not called "cow parade" - it was called "Land in Sicht" (roughly "Countryside in view"). It started its international fame when Chicago businessman Peter Hanig, along with Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Lois Weisberg, organized the event in Chicago in 1999. A Swiss company started to exploit this promotional idea, CowHolding Parade AG. The American company that exploits this idea, CowHolding Parade, was founded in 1999; the Swiss company promptly sued. A bronze casting is on permanent display in Chicago.

The success of this venture inspired many other cities to host similar fundraising projects. The theme was adapted in Berlin to the town mascot, however the entailing United Buddy Bears exhibitions are very different from all other urban events. The idea and the philosophy behind the United Buddy Bears exhibitions are unique: With its international approach and its symbolism, this synthesis of the arts globally promotes tolerance, international understanding and a peaceful coexistence. The idea has grasped onto more cities choosing different animals for public art projects with painted fiberglas sculptures (see #Similar Projects) - Zürich itself has adapted the bear theme in the "Teddy-Summer" in 2005

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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Roberto,

That is a very nice capture with vivid colors. They are bright and clear. Lovely POV and interesting story. TFS.

Kiran.

Pretty Cow! . .

Colors are striking and naturally presented . .
Interesting view . .
Great shot Roberto . .

Tfs,
Tjutjut

Many thanks for your kind words on Local strawberry .

Hola Roberto:
These cows are world popular and a lot of fun to see... in Canada some time ago we had the same idea only it was Moose on display and painted in different colours as well...... A very good document of this event in Costa Rica....Thanks my friend........Roman:0)

  • Great 
  • clic Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 693 W: 0 N: 154] (3902)
  • [2008-04-27 16:54]

Hello Roberto
A new breed of cows that produces a special milk for multi-coloured icecream!
Quite eye-catching!
Cheers.
Robert

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