Stuffed toys have always been a source of comfort and delight to kids and even adults. But imagine waking up to a giant stuffed rabbit only to find that it measures around 200 feet.
This is what happened in Italy. The country is famous for its pizza, pasta, and its significant contributions to the world of art and architecture. But this 55-meter rabbit that suddenly appeared was not your typical Italian art.
More than 15 years later, the controversial and downright bizarre event is still very much the talk of the town. Take a look at the rich history of this stuffed toy and how it came to sit on top of one of the most picturesque Italian towns.
The Stuffed Rabbit in Italy – What Is It?
As you might have guessed, the stuffed rabbit of Italy is just that – a stuffed rabbit. The only catch is that it measures 55 meters long or around 200 feet long and 20 feet high.
It was placed on top of the hills of Colletto Fava near the rustic and charming town of Artesina, located near the Piedmont region. Coming in a Pepto Bismol type of pink, this stuffed bunny greeted many visitors who came on the hilltop.
Because of its hue, it has affectionately earned the nickname Pinky. However, its real name is called Hase, another name for Hare. Seemingly appearing to have fallen out of the sky, the bunny has a skewed and slightly off-kilter look.
According to its makers, its intestines are spilled out on its side. This massive bunny arrived on the hilltop sometime in 2005. It has since been enjoyed by hikers and left locals quite boggled.
History Behind the 55 Meter Rabbit
By now, you might be wondering about the significance of this stuffed toy in the quaint town of Italy. Hase was created and meant to be an art installation by an art collective called Gelitin from Vienna.
Members of Gelatin who contributed and furthered this effort include Ali Janka, Florian Reither, Tobias Urban, and Wolfgang Gantner, all of who met each other on a fateful day in their summer camp in 1978 states The New York Times.
All four made the giant pink bunny over the course of five years. It is knitted from wool and stuffed with straw or hay to give it structure. This ensures that the rabbit in Italy is soft and can be played with and interacted with by the people.
Why Was it Made?
With its size, it is reminiscent of Gulliver in Gulliver’s Travels, it is supposed to be a reminder that everyone can be Liliputian (or small, in simpler words) at some point in their lives.
In many ways, it seems to be a wake-up call that in the vast nature and world surrounding us, we are just but players in it.
In addition to being an installation, the art collective said that the main purpose of the creation of the pink bunny is to provide excitement for hikers coming to visit the place.
It also brings to light the idea of decay, especially with the installation set to be there for 20 years. It was first laid on top of the hilly mountain in Northern Italy sometime in September 2005.
What Remains of the Rabbit in Italy Today
The art installation was expected to last until 2025 given the collective’s timeline. However, over the years, it has seemingly achieved its purpose: to show its eventual decay and destruction.
As a matter of fact, an aerial view of this today would show merely its outline. The last remnants were found some time in 2016.
Apart from nature taking its course, the installation also encouraged people, particularly hikers, to interact with the giant bunny.
From taking photos on social media to simply jumping on it and laying on it to relax, this may have contributed to the slow demise and rotting of Hase over time.
The Bottom Line
In a day and age where everything is digital and graphic art is becoming more common, a real live art installation like the pink rabbit is rare. That's what makes it so refreshing and has had people talking for 15 years.
The case of the decaying stuffed rabbit has now officially been solved. Maybe now what we need is another group of whimsical artists to give us some new art installations to talk about.
