The Mask Man Rides Again

Some cities are tearing down statutes, but not Clayton. Our “big-man-on-a-little-horse” has become a fashion statement. I took this photo through my windshield while waiting for the stoplight at Forsyth and S. Hanley. (The funky art work is in the median, just outside Akar, a restaurant that offers an enclosed patio and curbside pickup.)

I don’t know the correct name of the piece sculptured by the Colombian figurative artist, Fernando Botero. I refer to it as “Pudgy Man on Little Horse Looking Left.” In keeping with the times, some fashion rogue has adorned the face with a colorful mask. I like that.

The Folklore of Masks

The Lone Ranger and Zorro wore masks to conceal their identity while fighting for “truth, justice, and the American way.” (Hmm. . . on second thought, that was Superman. No matter. Their goals were the same.)

Clayton’s masked rider has been updated, the face covering redesigned and moved lower to block the nose, mouth and chin. Stunning look!

“Hi-Yo, Silver, Pudgy Masked Man on Little Horse Looking Left!”