The French Connection: Lopez sculptures find European homes

The life-sized scrap metal sculptures of John Lopez are familiar to South Dakotans from his installations throughout the state and at his studio on Main Street in Lemmon. Thanks to two new commissions this spring, works by Lopez are also in the spotlight at two French locations.

“It was completely serendipitous,” Lopez said. “I had calls for two sculptures in France, and both were to be unveiled a week apart. I was able to kill two birds with one stone on this trip.”

The first commission was for a full-sized American bison for an animal park in Sainte Croix, France, opening a new North American animal exhibit. Le Nouveau Monde at Sainte Croix is a new 8.5 hectare enclosure, home to bison, black bears, coyotes, raccoons, wild turkeys, prairie dogs, porcupines and skunks, a total of 1,500 animals representing 130 American species. The “New World” exhibit includes a themed restaurant, a large play area and two new types of lodges to sleep close to the animals, plus a reception area for all lodges in the park.

King of the Plains” by John Lopez was created for Le Nouveau Monde, a North American animal park and visitor attraction near Sainte Croix, France.

Lopez created “King of the Plains,” one of his iconic bison sculptures from scrap metal and equipment parts, to honor the heritage of the Wild West. The work will be a central feature, anchoring the New World animal habitats with a recognizably American image.

About the same time, French artist Stéphane Bolongaro was organizing a gala ceremony and celebration of the 90th anniversary of Princess Grace of Monaco, the legendary U.S. actress Grace Kelly. A selection of paintings, sculptures and creations by 50 artists, specifically designed for this occasion, were assembled to pay tribute to Grace Kelly as an actress, mother and princess for the exposition.

At left, Monaco’s Prince Albert II talks with sculptor John Lopez (right) at the opening night reception for the Grace Kelly exhibition. Photo by Philip Ducap.

“Since the art show was being held in the museum where the Grimaldi collection of classic cars is displayed, Bolongaro had an idea for me to sculpt an Oscar from car parts,” Lopez said. “My sister and I flew to France, attended the ceremonies and got to meet the Prince and a lot of other European celebrities who came for the celebration.”

Monaco’s Prince Albert II spent a little time with each artist at the gala opening, sharing with Lopez the information that the Prince’s father enjoyed welding and creating work with metal, too.

“Oscar” by John Lopez, above, is one of 50 works of art commissioned to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Princess Grace of Monaco, U.S. actress Grace Kelly.

“It really was a once-in-alifetime experience,” Lopez said. “Both the park organizers and the Monaco exhibition planners saw my work online and decided it was right for them.”

Lopez also spent a week at Sainte Croix, staying with the park director and attending events to discuss his work, including a presentation to French elementary school children. Now he’s back in South Dakota, adding a sculpture garden next to the Lemmon gallery to expand the opportunity for visitors to see his work.

“We needed an outdoor space to show some of the sculptures,” Lopez said. “They really belong outside where the light can hit them, whether they’re here in South Dakota or in a park in France.”