White Rhino
White Rhino is comprised of steel and sculpted, pigmented concrete. It weighs 1153 pounds – but that’s nothing compared to the 6,000 lbs that a real rhino can weigh! Notice how solid this animal is. It’s almost like an animal version of a tank. But sadly, its bulk is one of the reasons rhinos are so endangered. They are not as nimble or adaptable to hunting or habitat changes as some animals. Notice how careful the artist has been to capture all the details of this increasingly rare animal. What stands out most to you?
By Solomon Bassoff and Domenica Mottarella
Artists Solomon Bassoff and Domenica Mottarella work together in sculpted, pigmented concrete which they sculpt by hand like clay. They then add steel, tile mosaic, glass and other materials to create unique and whimsical animal characters that are designed to invite exploration and curiosity. They like to convey animals’ emotional characteristics to create a connection between the human and animal world with their unique blend of naturalism and realism.
Together, Bassoff and Mottarella run Faducci Studio, located in the foothills of the California Sierra Nevada. They have created much-loved public artworks In California, Washington, Oklahoma, and Texas. Keep a look out for them, as they are very recognizable. These artworks always look like they are about to tell you a story.
View all sculptures by this artist.Donated By
Newman E. Copeland
As an adult and as a child I have enjoyed the beauty of Cameron Park and the surrounding areas. It is my wish that others might enjoy the same pleasures. Therefore it is my pleasure to contribute to the Waco Sculpture Zoo.
Betsy and Clifton Robinson, Newman E. CopelandDid You Know?
- The white rhinoceros is the second largest land mammal in the world after the elephant. They can weigh over 2 tons!
- There are 5 species of rhinos, but white rhinos tend to be the calmest.
- Rhinos communicate using a wide variety of sounds, including grunts, growls, snorts, squeaks, and bellows.
- The name of the White Rhinoceros has nothing to do with its color. The English word “white” is mistranslation of the Dutch word “wijd”, which means “wide”, referring to the width of the Rhinoceros mouth.
- The white rhino is one of the most endangered species in the world today. There are no male northern white rhinos remaining in the wild. Captive breeding programs are now one of the most important ways of preserving this species and Cameron Park’s rhinos have been recommended to be part of this global effort.
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