Gian

The ibex is the heraldic animal of the canton of Grisons, Switzerland. In recent years, the Tourism Association Graubünden took advantage of this popular wild animal and used two animated ibexes – Gian and Giachem – spread humorous advertising texts on the canton of Grisons via YouTube and television. These spots enjoy great popularity throughout Switzerland.

So it was obvious to name the ibex, which I originally started as a commissioned work, “Gian”. I picked up 6 copies of Gian in early December and my wife Anita and I did the patinas. The first four were delivered to their owners just before Christmas and the other two will be handed over to their owners in early January. Two more are presently cast at the Perseo foundry in Mendrisio.