New Mexico artist creates 10-foot jackrabbit sculpture from 1953 Chevy parts
The sculpture, titled Run, was commissioned to mark the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in Gallup.
Artist Robert Wilson has completed a 1,280-pound jackrabbit sculpture named Run, created from salvaged parts of a 1953 Chevy Bel Air. According to the Times of India, the artwork was commissioned by the city of Gallup to mark the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
The sculpture stands just over 10 feet tall and is located at the west end of Babe Ruth Park in Gallup. It is positioned near the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 at Exit 22, facing the El Rancho Hotel.
Wilson, who retired from medicine in 2016 to focus on art, used a plasma torch to cut the car into pieces before welding them into the new shape. He said the curves and muscularity of the 1953 Chevy Bel Air fit the animal form.
The artist left the original paint, wear, and rust on the metal to show the history of the car. He also included a hidden detail where the rabbit's left eye is the car's original speedometer, set at 66 miles per hour.
Wilson described the work as recycled art intended to express the unexpected beauty found in re-used industrial materials. He encouraged viewers to look closely at the paws and ears to identify which car parts were used.