Judith Mazzucco MILLSTONE — “Oxymoron” is the most controversial bovine creation that will graze in the Hopewell Valley Stampede beginning in mid-August, according to its creator, Judith Mazzucco of Millstone Township, who is an artist and vegetarian.
Mazzucco is looking forward to setting “Oxymoron” free to join a so-called stampede of 62 other life-size oxen sculptures that will be shown in parks, valleys and roads in Hopewell Valley.
The exhibit features artful replicas of oxen made by professionals and amateurs who were required to have proposals approved by the Hopewell Valley Arts Council (HVAC) to participate.
In January, the oxen will be auctioned off as a fundraiser by the HVAC at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township.
Mazzucco, who is newly retired from her position as an art teacher at the Millstone Township Elementary School, said she was interested in designing a piece that would make a statement.
This piece of artwork created by Judith Mazzucco and named “Oxymoron” will be part of a so-called stampede of 62 other life-size oxen sculptures that will be shown in parks, valleys and roads in Hopewell Valley. The artist named her creation “Oxymoron” because it is a figure of speech that juxtaposes elements that appear to be contradictory (i.e., open secret).
Her inspiration ultimately came from a well-publicized issue last year at a college in Vermont, when two oxen, Bill and Lou, were set for slaughter. A petition against the slaughter was signed by 30,000 people, but the opposition argued the oxen would provide meat for a month to students.
“ ‘Oxy’ is making an agro-political statement,” Mazzucco said of her creation. “Poor ‘Oxymoron,’ he is a contradiction unto himself; beautiful in life and even more sought after and beautiful to others in death…”
In part of her artist’s statement, Mazzucco explains that her concept evolved from the investigation of her life in close proximity to animals, and the interspecies relationships therein. Her work reinforces the reality that most people’s relationship with animals is to eat them or wear them as clothing.
Mazzucco invited Greater Media Newspapers to see “Oxymoron” before he joined the exhibit.
With tears in his eyes, “Oxymoron” is decorated in authentic photos of the real byproducts of an ox. These photos were taken of Mazzucco’s personal possessions at her home and put on canvas that was applied to the fiberglass life-size figure. His skin appears to be pulled down to display his insides, so the viewer can see photos of ox byproducts such as food and clothing.
“My theme isn’t pretty,” Mazzucco said. “It is a bit edgy and controversial. He makes people think.”
The HVAC accepted her proposal and sent her an unfinished fiberglass ox figure on April 12. For two weeks, Mazzucco said, she studied the large beast. She finished creating her piece on June 17.
There is a good reason why the council selected the ox as the theme, according to Mazzucco. The ox is symbolic of Hopewell Valley’s agricultural heritage and the enduring sense of community. Further, the ox is a historic reminder of the valley’s farming tradition.
Mazzucco said she is excited to have “Oxymoron” participate in the stampede, especially because it has an interesting history. The stampede is modeled after an idea that was introduced in Zurich, Switzerland. In 1998, more than 800 decorated cows were placed throughout Zurich’s landscape, drawing worldwide attention and attracting thousands of local and foreign visitors.
According to a press release from the HVAC, sponsors may be corporations, local businesses, nonprofits and other local organizations, families or individuals.
Local artists are paired with sponsors, beginning the process of creating a beautiful work of art. Businesses, individuals and local nonprofit organizations may contribute.
Mazzucco said she hopes someone will read about “Oxymoron” and feel inspired to sponsor him.
For more information about the stampede, visit www.hopewellvalleystampede.