Red Bull Untapped 2022

When a fantastical hero takes on the codes of classical sculpture

This sculpture was created to reward the winner of the Red Bull Untapped tournament, an event organised by Red Bull in partnership with Wizards of the Coast for Magic: The Gathering, the iconic trading card game.

Techniques used

Sculpting
Moulding
Resin casting
Painting and patina

The challenge was to give Ajani a sculptural presence commensurate with his power and bestial nature.

For this occasion, we were commissioned to sculpt one of the game’s iconic characters: the legendary Ajani.

With his flowing cape and two broad shoulder guards, this albino leonine humanoid is a powerful and wise warrior — fierce, loyal, and guided by a strong sense of justice. Scarred by war, he bears a deep wound across his left eye, a lasting reminder of his battles.

Bringing Ajani to life while emphasizing the raw power and bestial, warrior-like qualities that define him was one of the key challenges of this project.

With his two broad pauldrons, Ajani evokes a gladiator from ancient times. To remain true to the spirit of the character, we chose to honour him by drawing on the visual language of classical statues.

Much like the Greeks celebrated their most important figures, war heroes, and mythological icons, we used the bust as the model for this sculptural representation.

This time, however, it is not a Greek god being honoured, but a supernatural hero from the fantastical mythology of Magic: The Gathering.

On its pedestal, Ajani’s bust appears to come to life. The billowing fabric effects rising from the base evoke flames bursting from a torch, while his cape gradually transforms into a swirling spiral that encircles him like a magical aura.

His power is conveyed through his posture. His powerful musculature and wide-open mouth emphasize his leonine ferocity. Frozen in motion, the tension captured in his muscles silently conveys the roar of the lion.