Rodeo

An earlier piece in Boulanger’s study of the relationship between human and animal, “Rodeo” is a composition rich with elements of dance, myth and nature that are synonymous with so much of her work. The figure, astride on a bull’s back, raises his arms up to frame his face like a ballet dancer. His face remains calm and serene as the animal’s legs curled inward, attempting to buck him off. Behind the two, the deep red sky that recalls the Bolivian sunsets of Boulanger’s is accentuated by the muted tones of the dusty mountains in the background. Those already acquainted with Boulanger’s oeuvre will glean a familiarity when noting the striped and checkered patterns of the bull rider’s uniform—adding a geometric contrast to naturally homogeneous landscape.