"A counter-memorial imperative clearly underlies Hope Hippo, one of Allora&Calzadilla’s most iconic performance-based sculptures which was originally commissioned for the 51st Venice Biennale. The work subverts the idea of the historical monument, and in particular, the equestrian statues found in this Italian city. In the place of a warhorse, whose stature is meant to mirror the erect, belligerent body of its human master, the artists summon its monstrous etymological cousin Hippopotamus, or “river horse,” from the dregs of a river. In contrast to the elevated, enduring materials of classical sculpture such as marble or bronze, this creature comes to life in a substance haunted by decay – river mud – thus making the creature’s existence finite and vulnerable. Like a monstrum that barges in on the human world, Hope Hippo sparks a debate on the relationship between civilization and barbarism. While it refuses to become an anthropomorphic mirror, the creature is not misanthropic. It offers its hulking, feculent body as a kind of watchtower from which a human “whistle-blower”, while reading the global news, can sound the alarms of injustice." (of Serralves Museum)

Fujifilm X-S10 , XF 35 mm 2.0, ISO 800, f/9, 1/30

Hello Jorge

Thank you for sharing this photo and meaningful narrative. I think the inclusion of the group of children makes it an image worth submitting as a valuable documentary shot with apt tones considering the seriousness of the subject. Perhaps cropping the dark shape on the right would avoid distraction.

Good light, Elizabeth 

Hello, Jorge
Welcome to our forum. You have taken a good documentary photo here. I think the scene speaks about itself. The newspaper around the statue ad the crowd give the image a dynamic feel. I wish you good look at curation. I think it will be published in the blink of an eye. Have good light. Cicek...

Thank you, Cicek Kiral! I thought the same but it was not published for technical reasons, so I asked for your critique so I could improve it. By the way, I haven't been able to publish for some time now, too long...Let's see if I get more acceptance in the future...