Behind walls of plastic in a climate-controlled box at Contemporary Calgary, two artists are constructing a striking sculpture of a cowboy on a rearing horse. The 2.5-metre-high artwork is made from 227 kilograms of salted butter, a material chosen for its symbolic and ephemeral qualities.
Butter as an Artistic Medium
Iranian-born artist Ghazaleh Avarzamani, now based in London, England, has long wanted to work with butter. However, she notes that many museums are reluctant to accept such installations due to concerns about humidity, mould, and pests. Contemporary Calgary, however, embraced the idea, commissioning the exhibition specifically for its round Ring Gallery.
The sculpture is built around a solid armature, with cold air blown constantly onto it to preserve its form. The use of salted butter from Foothills Creamery further extends its lifespan. Despite these precautions, the artwork will gradually deform, crack, and soften over the five-month exhibition, which runs from June 4 to November 8, 2026.
Ephemeral Power and Monopoly Themes
Avarzamani explains that the inevitable decay is intentional: “The idea of ephemeral power that is changing is part of the exhibition.” The sculpture’s shape is inspired by a token from the board game Monopoly, and the entire exhibition, titled Churn, Earn, Burn and Then Return, revolves around the game’s themes of power, wealth, and loss.
The gallery floor will be laid out like a Monopoly board, with flags resembling game cards. These cards feature surreal images, such as a man balancing on stacked chairs or carrying an upside-down bull, and include messages like “You have worked hard. Your reward is the opportunity to work harder. Collect nothing.”
Preservation and Visitor Experience
Chief curator Mona Filip assures that the gallery has taken all necessary precautions to prevent issues with humidity or pests. The cold air system and salted butter ensure the sculpture remains intact for the duration of the exhibit, though its gradual transformation is part of the artistic statement.
Visitors can witness the sculpture’s evolution over time, observing how power—like butter—can soften and crack. The exhibition invites reflection on the transient nature of success and the systems that govern it.
