That horse on the roof! The Untamed Horizon by Yves Netzhammer
- SITE_SPECIFIC
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 11
In September 2024, a striking new landmark emerged in Zurich's Escher-Wyss district: a life-sized moving black horse perched atop a high-rise building. The figure appeared across multiple social media posts of astonished passers-by, sparking discussions about its origins filled with curiosity, and even confusion - until it became clear that this is a work of art.
The artwork, titled Der ungezähmte Horizont ("The Untamed Horizon"), is the kinetic sculpture of Swiss artist Yves Netzhammer. Installed on the roof of the Tramdepot and Wohnsiedlung Depot Hard, the artwork immediately captured public attention due to its realistic appearance and prominent placement.
Yves Netzhammer, born in 1970 in Affoltern am Albis, is renowned for his multidisciplinary approach, encompassing video installations, drawings, and sculptures. His works often explore themes of perception, identity, and the interplay between humans and their environments. With Der ungezähmte Horizont, Netzhammer continues this exploration.
Constructed from a metal framework connected by joints and powered by hydraulic cylinders, the horse is capable of subtle movements — it can nod its head, rear up, paw the ground, and stand still, and take around 30 positions. These mechanical motions lend the sculpture a lifelike quality, blurring the line between art and reality. Weighing 1.7 tons and measuring three meters in both length and height, the sculpture serves as a kinetic installation that engages viewers both visually and conceptually.
The choice of a horse is deeply symbolic, referencing Zurich's transportation history. In the late 19th century, the city operated horse-drawn trams, known locally as "Rösslitram." These trams were a transitional mode of transport before the advent of electric trams. By placing a horse atop a modern building in a former industrial area, Netzhammer creates a dialogue between past and present, highlighting the evolution of urban mobility and the city's industrial heritage.
Beyond its historical references, the sculpture also incorporates contemporary themes. A camera installed within the horse's head provides a live stream of its surroundings, inviting viewers to consider issues of surveillance and observation in modern society. This element adds a layer of interactivity and prompts discussions about privacy and the role of technology in public spaces.
Text by Jonas Spielman
Address:
Hochhaus der Überbauung „Wohn- und Gewerbesiedlung Depot Hard“
Hardturmstrasse 8
8005 Zürich
Commissioned by:
The City of Zürich under its “Kunst & Bau” (Art & Construction) programme
Note:
View the live feed from the camera at the following link
