...a memorial in neon.
While opponents of the Blue Mustang cite the "sinister" red eyes as their major objection to the sculpture, Jimenez's intention was far less menacing. Many of his sculptures, like Progress II, feature the same bright red eyes.
"I have been to many airports and each has its own brand of landmark. I think this is the coolest and most memorable of all of them. It embraces the wild west spirit that was once the trademark of America and nothing says home like the Big Blue Mustang."
Shawn J., Commerce City, CO
The same red, light emitting diodes can be seen as well in Mesteno. Jimenez's use of the glowing red eyes was not meant to be unnerving or frightening but to serve as a tribute and memorial to his father, a neon light artist.
"At first, I hated the mustang and the story about the artist dying made me feel like perhaps the thing was cursed. But now that I've lived away from the city for awhile, I actually look forward to seeing it when I fly into the city. It's always a good conversation starter if I'm traveling with people. I feel like the DIA has such a mystique about it and the mustang really adds to the mystery and mysticism of the airport."
Sara H., Shreveport, LA