Shepparton sculptor Mark Niglia with his horse sculpture ‘His Highness’ before it was shipped off to its new home in Dubai.
Translating a client’s vision into a tangible piece of art while infusing your own creative expression can often be a challenging process for an artist.
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Yet, Shepparton sculptor Mark Niglia sees commission work as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.
He believes it opens doors to new experiences and challenges —precisely the kind of challenge that keeps his work unique and compelling.
Last year, this belief was put to the test when Mark was approached by a leading art consultancy and production company from the United Arab Emirates.
They commissioned him to create one of his sought-after, full-scale horse sculptures, a project that would push his creative boundaries and further solidify his reputation in the international art scene.
However, this particular horse sculpture came with an added layer of expectations. Why, you ask?
It was commissioned for Dubai royalty and destined to grace one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, One Za’abeel.
“The creative design team from Dubai provided me with a design brief and reference images of what they envisioned,” Mark said.
“I began submitting various sketches and continued revising and adjusting until the optimal design was achieved and approved by the client.
“From this point, 3D renderings were required and further adjustments of even the smallest details were made until he achieved the perfect representation of the client’s vision.
“The 3D rendering was a great way to give the client a better understanding of the finished product.”
Mark’s creative process explores the dynamic interaction between horse and human by harnessing the energy of distorted metals, charred wood, and fragmented concrete to bring his sculptures to life.
Crafting each full-scale piece as if he were sketching in the air, he evokes deep emotion, inviting reflections from the soul and offering a raw, dynamic and uniquely insightful perspective on life.
“The strength and power that a horse possesses, yet its ability to calm and heal, is mesmerising,” he said.
“I infuse my sculptures with the energy and emotions drawn from stories of people I know, my own experiences, and world events.
“Each horse carries its own meaning and story, and this one I made for royalty in Dubai and One Za’abeel was an incredible experience.”
One Za’abeel is a prominent mixed-use development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
It was designed to be an iconic landmark, consisting of two skyscrapers connected by a dramatic sky bridge known as “The Link,” which is set to be one of the world’s longest cantilevered buildings.
The development includes luxury residences, offices, a hotel and retail spaces, and is positioned to be a symbol of modern architectural innovation in Dubai.
One Za’abeel is strategically located in the heart of the city, near the Dubai World Trade Center, offering stunning views of the cityscape.
The project gained international attention for its ambitious design and scale, making it a significant addition to Dubai’s skyline.
Mark’s horse sculpture, aptly named His Highness, now graces One Za’abeel, elevated by professional lighting that enhances its presence.
The sculpture stands proudly on a 300mm thick marble stage, offering a striking contrast to its origins in rural Shepparton, while overlooking the stunning views of Dubai’s cityscape.
“The process was both technical and deeply creative,” Mark said.
“Each piece required careful planning and execution to truly capture the essence of movement and grace. I was thrilled with how the final sculpture turned out.”
Mark’s approach to sculpting is unique, blending technical precision with artistic flair.
“With this project, I knew it was different. The client had a very specific vision, so we engaged in extensive back-and-forth discussions about the design to ensure it was exactly what they wanted,” he said.
“The sculpture was crafted from a bright round bar, requiring a specialised welding method.”
Mark tig welded the piece using stainless-steel wire to achieve a smooth finish with minimal polishing before powder coating.
Once completed, the sculpture was sea-freighted to its destination in Dubai.
Reflecting on the experience, Mark said the whole process was an absolute pleasure.
“Technology made it possible to work with an extremely professional team from the other side of the world for such a high-profile client,” Mark said.
“It’s been a progression of hard work, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my passion and artistry with the world.
“It's a testament to a collaborative effort and the dedication that went into creating this incredible piece of art.”
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