Hite Institute of Art & Design Collaborates with Backside Community on Gallopalooza
"Because of You" is one of 150 horse statues that are being created for this year's Gallopalooza. The project pays homage to the workers of Churchill Downs' backside. (Spectrum News 1/Nikelle Delgado)
May 13, 2024
Since 2004 over 500 horse statues have been placed all over Louisville for Gallopalooza. This year, one was created by artist Sara Noori (above), Coordinator in the Hite Institute of Art and Design. The title of the horse artwork is “Because of You” or “Es Por Ustedes” in Spanish, and it pays homage to workers of Churchill Downs's backside.
Noori says her vision is to have the backstretch community make their mark. “Rather than me painting an image onto the horse, we really wanted it to be very literal and be a real connection between all the people that touch the horse every day,” said Noori. “They all have stories. They’re all coming from different parts of the world, but they share this experience of the horse and taking care of it and the Derby.”
Cristobal Trejo is one of many workers that make horse racing and the Derby possible. He has been grooming horses for 57 years. “My name is there, and my hand is there. So, I guess, everybody go see it!” he said. Read more at Spectrum News and view a video of Noori's process of creating this artwork.
