Description
Kentucky Derby is a mixed-media piece created during the excitement surrounding the 2008 Kentucky Derby, inspired by the victory of Big Brown and a personal connection to a friend involved with horses in Kentucky. The work blends digital composition with hand-painted elements, creating a layered and energetic tribute to one of America’s most iconic sporting events.
Embedded throughout the piece are small toy horses—miniature ponies that bring a playful, tactile dimension to the artwork while reinforcing the central theme of racing and movement. Surrounding and interwoven into the composition are references to the jockey silks from that year’s Derby, capturing the color, identity, and tradition of the race.
The piece carries a deeper personal significance. One of the editions was sold to a close friend who worked for UPS in Kentucky, tying the “Big Brown” narrative to both the race and a real-life connection. Following his passing the year after the Derby, the artwork now holds an additional layer of meaning—serving not only as a celebration of sport, but also as a remembrance.
Part of the artist’s Sports Series, Kentucky Derby reflects the intersection of cultural events, personal relationships, and storytelling through found objects and layered media.
