Giant white bunny hops around the island of Portland!
A 2.5 metre tall white bunny will soon be popping up at outdoor locations around the island of Portland in Dorset this summer. This quirky sculpture, created by Portland-local artist Sophie Fretwell is not just a sight to behold but also a symbol of unity and identity on an island currently in the news spotlight due to the asylum seeker's barge, the Bibby Stockholm.
Portland is an island in Dorset, hidden in the Jurassic Coast, which is steeped in myths and superstitions; the most famous being the islanders' taboo against saying the word "r*bbit". Instead, locals say "underground mutton," "furry friend," or simply "bunnies", to avoid bad luck. This superstition is supposedly tied to Portland's quarrying history, as the furry menaces would cause instability in the rock with their underground burrowing. Those in the know about Portland's bunny lore will feel like insiders, a step closer to shedding the "kimberlin" label (Portland's term for strangers) but what do visitors think of this island custom, and the community that it's tied to? Sophie aims to ask people, visitors and locals alike, "what's all this bunny business? What's your experience of Portland? Do you think Portland is weird? What does weird even mean!?"
"It's about transforming a local symbol into one of unity and togetherness in a time when only the most inflammatory views are being publicised, I think it's important to remind the world that Portland may be proudly weird, as the local slogan goes, but is also a place of openness and generosity. I'm so grateful to Artcry for funding this important piece of work". - Sophie Fretwell
Keep an eye on Sophie's socials for the next bunny location, using the tag #followthebunny @sophiefretwell.
We funded this project before the recent attacks began, and now when the streets are being taken up by far-right racist riots, this project feel particularly poignant and we are proud to support it.
Comments