Since 2012, the front garden of the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe has been hosting some bronze sculptures realised by Davide Rivalta and representing five mediterranean female buffalos moving towards the UNESCO World Heritage Monument.
Some people approach them with curiosity, others take selfies or sit among them to observe the facade of the basilica.
Placed here on the occasion of the exhibition “Terre Promesse” (lit. Promised lands), these animals are precisely set in the surrounding context.
The artistic work of Davide Rivalta – who considers himself from Ravenna even though he was born in Bologna – is characterised by a figurative language and the investigation of the animal world.
He considers the analysis of the relationship among work, space and observers as fundamental, and aims to invite visitors to pay attention to the past on the one hand and ideally strive towards new perspectives on the other.
In his works, human and animal world are represented simultaneously. You just have to make eye contact and try to build an intimate relationship with them.
These female buffalos are not the only work by Davide Rivalta in the city. If you walk around Ravenna, you can see them scattered all around. Do you need an example? You can find Gorillas in the courtyard of the courthouse and Rhinoceros in the Hall of the Port Authority (see focus).
