Greet 'new year rabbits' from Florentijn Hofman

The Year of the Rabbit has begun. People now have opportunities to meet new rabbit installations entitled “Party Rabbits” by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center (SWCAC).

With different postures, giant rabbits wearing party hats and constructed with a large number of balloons welcome visitors at the Park View Gallery and the center’s atrium. A super tall one even “observes” visitors on the second floor of the center through a window. People can also interact with these rabbits with a balloon carrot.

                   Florentijn Hofman’s rabbit installations are on display at an exhibition at the SWCAC. Photos by Lin Songtao

Having a 20-year animal molding experience, Hofman raises a question by making these rabbits: Are we looking at rabbits or are they looking at us? Balloons underline the significance of using everyday materials throughout Hofman’s creation. They also show a duality: Installations are solid and heavy, while balloons in contrast represent lightness.

As a creature facing many predators but still living in prosperity, within the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, the rabbit is the one that symbolizes good luck .

Hofman is also exhibiting his playful urban installations at the “Celebrate More!” exhibition at The MixC in Luohu District.

                           A girl takes photos with a rabbit installation.

Dates: Through May 4

Tickets: 58 yuan for one person, 98 yuan for two persons, half price for students, teachers and elders above 60 years old (128 yuan for a combined ticket to the “Celebrate More!” exhibition)

Venue: Sea World Culture and Arts Center, Nanshan District (海上世界文化艺术中心)

Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit A

                       Children draw rabbits at Sea World Culture and Arts Center, Nanshan District.