Bunnies intrude Perth art scene
First we had the Perth International Arts Festival and a visit from the Giants, now in Perth we have the Fiesta Festival. On the foreshore at Sir James Mitchell Park, at home in their new patch, 5 oversized luminous rabbits, could easily be the forgotten pets from the Giants. Nestling into their new home these glowing rabbits are commanding attention and luring children and adults with their presence. Standing tall, wafting in the breeze, the 7 metre high inflatable, illuminated white rabbits were created by artist Amanda Parer.
We first saw Amanda’s rabbits in Sydney during Vivid last year and we were so excited to hear they were hopping over to Perth. These amazing rabbits, having broken through the rabbit proof fence and now resting on the South Perth foreshore, are part of the temporary installation ‘Intrude’. Amanda’s works explore the natural world, its vulnerability and the effect on the environment. These humongous bunnies are as adorable as the real thing. They perfectly symbolise the beautiful but fragile world and the role we play.
“They are a bit like the elephant in the room. We know it is there but we don’t talk about it. We’re aware of what we are doing to nature but we put it aside.” – Amanda Parer
There is nothing better to stir up childhood memories of hugging pets than little white as snow bunnies, but this aptly titled exhibition of gigantic rabbits is a reminder of the destruction caused by feral animals to the surroundings. Instead of being small and cuddly these giant rabbits draw attention and promote awareness to the effect on the natural environment.
Recently Intrude exhibited at London’s Southbank Winter Festival, Sydney’s Dinner En Blanc and Vivid Festival and Gent’s Light Festival in Belgium. It again brings Perth to the front to have Amanda’s display at the Fiesta Festival in Perth, Western Australia as these bunnies intrude Perth art scene.
Perth residents have shown a growing hunger for arts and culture in recent years and are now seeing many boutique and tailored events. Another crowd pleasing event will be held over the Easter weekend, April 4-6, The Fremantle Street Arts Festival.
These adorable white bunnies have been gracing the foreshore since March 15 and after their Perth debut ends March 21, they will be hopping across to France, UK and US. Keep your eye out for the unique outdoor installation at the Yellow Mill in Paris, Beakerhead in Calgary Canada, Easter Festival in Aberdeen Scotland, Avantgarden Festival in Maroochydore Queensland, the Aarhus Festival in Denmark and the Icastica Art Festival in Italy to see these inflatable giants.
Where in the world have you seen this wonderful display?
Great blog post title – when I saw it, I just had to check it out! Love the whimsy of the bunnies!
Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment Ellen
They are very beautiful in their own right, but they are delivering a message as well. I’d love to see them hopping back across the fence and up to Townsville.
Yes Jan, I agree, the message they deliver is something to take away and think about. I saw them in Sydney and now Perth, so who know, they may make their way to Townsville too.
Wow, this oversized rabbits would make me feel like Alice in Wonderland 🙂
I love such festivals, they always make the place more cheerful and festive 🙂
Thanks for your comment Isabella. Yes, I know what you mean, these rabbits sure peaked curiosity and with rabbits this size we had to be very careful not to fall down any rabbit holes.
I saw those bunnies at Vivid in Sydney last year – and thought they were fabulous! It’s great to read about all these fab events happening in my old home town.
Thanks for your comment Fairlie, Perth is definitely getting our fair share of events lately, it’s great.
Those rabbits are amazing, how nice that you saw them in Sydney too!
It was great to see them close up here in Perth. When we saw them in Sydney during Vivid we were passing under the Bridge and saw them on the waters edge and I never imagined they were as large as they are. Thanks for your comment Suze.
These look amazing, how incredible that you had the chance to see them in person.
Thanks for joining in #wednesdaywanderlust
We have had so many events lately, we were glad to see these bunnies again. Thanks for commenting and especially thanks for hosting #wednesdaywanderlust
These look amazing and I am now feeling a little disappointed as they finished last night and I didn’t realise they were on display. we have had so many wonderful free events on here in Perth recently, it really is wonderful.
It was so crowded when we went Friday night, but was good to see them. You are so right Sally, we have been really lucky lately in Perth with all the events. Thanks for your comment.
Very weird but very cool!
I guess by the crowds there most went with the latter… very cool. Thanks for your comment.
It seems to me you live from festival to festival there, in Perth. The bunnies are adorable indeed. It’s so interesting to see how art has evolved lately…
Thanks for your comment Anda. Yes, Perth is getting into the arts and cultural scene in a big way recently. We are having many cultural and food festivals and when not travelling like to attend as many as possible.
I saw these in Sydney and they were magical. If you live in Perth it is really worth taking a look.
I agree Lyn, I was lucky to see them in Sydney and now in Perth. Thank you for your comment.