The monumental sculpture dedicated to the iconic Zacatecas singer Antonio Aguilar is the work of sculptor Javier Días Riva Palacios and is a tangible testament to contemporary monumental art and Mexican equestrian tradition. Cast in the workshops of Art21Studio —with four decades of experience collaborating with national and international artists—the piece pays tribute not only to the performer but also to Mexican popular culture.

The sculpture depicts Antonio Aguilar dressed in a formal charro suit, wearing a traditional sombrero and holding a microphone, in the act of singing and riding a horse, a symbol of his deep connection to Mexican vernacular music and equestrian traditions. This representation seeks to capture the artist's energy and elegance, as well as his passion for the culture of his homeland.

The development of the work required several months of artisanal and technical work, combining creativity, experience, and precision.

· Internal structure: The first step was to build a steel structure, which serves as the sculpture's skeleton. This base provides the strength and stability necessary to support the piece's weight and monumental dimensions.

Initial modeling: Foam was applied to the steel skeleton and carefully carved to define the sculpture's main volumes and overall shapes. This stage serves to establish proportions and achieve a suitable visual balance.

· Sculptural detail: The carved foam was covered with plasticine, a material in which the sculptor was able to capture all the fine details: the folds of the charro suit, the facial expression, the horse's adornments, the microphone, and the textures that lend realism and character.

· Molding: Once the clay modeling was complete, a mold was made using silicone rubber and fiberglass. This mold accurately captures every minute detail sculpted by Javier Días Riva Palacios.

· Casting: A wax replica is created from the mold, an essential piece for the lost-wax casting method. This traditional process produces a metal sculpture—in this case, a monumental bronze—guarantees both durability and fidelity to the original model.

Over four decades, Art21Studio has built a solid reputation for high quality and its ability to bring the visions of artists from diverse backgrounds to life. The collaboration with Javier Días Riva Palacios in the creation of this tribute to Antonio Aguilar demonstrates the synergy between art, technique, and collective memory.

This urban sculpture not only beautifies the public space, but also invites reflection on the importance of preserving cultural heritage through works that engage with the community and evoke the spirit of emblematic figures in Mexican history.

Creation of the Monumental Sculpture of Antonio Aguilar

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