The 2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival ended on September 14, drawing 2.46 million visitors over 11 days. Among the most anticipated attractions was the 25-meter-tall moon rabbit by Dutch artist Hofman, whose charming appearance and billowing fur brought joy and a sense of healing to many, leaving numerous memorable photos with the artwork. It also helped many discover Taoyuan’s significant cultural asset — the Navy Taoyuan Base. However, on the morning of September 15, a fire broke out during construction, and the Taoyuan County government expressed deep regret and sorrow.
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The focal piece of the 2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival, "Moon Rabbit," with artist Hofman joining visitors for a flash art performance. (Photo credit / 2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
Taoyuan County’s Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that after the festival ended at 8 PM last night, the contracted organizer began dismantling on-site hardware, tents, and other facilities, while also packing and transporting the artworks loaned by the artists. As for the moon rabbit, custom-designed by Dutch artist Hofman for Taoyuan County, the post-festival handling was scheduled to be carried out by the organizers on September 15.
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The aftermath of the moon rabbit being accidentally burned. (Photo credit / YOUTUBE)
During the disassembly of Hofman’s "Moon Rabbit," workers first removed the rabbit’s ears and head, placing them on the nearby grass, followed by the limbs. After completing the dismantling, an accidental fire spread from the grass to the rabbit, causing the right side of its torso and some limbs to be scorched. The damaged area was less than five percent, and the rabbit was not entirely destroyed.
When the incident occurred, Wang Yuling, general manager of Hofman’s Asian art agency — Weilong Art Company, informed him. Hofman’s immediate concern was, “Was anyone hurt?” He humorously added that it was the enthusiasm of the Taiwanese people and the weather that made the rabbit heat up too much.
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A panoramic view of the flash art performance featuring the 2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival highlight, the "Moon Rabbit." (Photo credit / 2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
He also emphasized that he places great importance on environmental concepts in his works worldwide, using recycled materials for their creation. This piece, inspired by the Chinese myth of the Jade Rabbit grinding medicine, was custom-designed for the Taoyuan Land Art Festival and exhibited only in Taoyuan as a one-time installation. After the exhibition, it was dismantled and recycled. He expressed relief that no one was injured in the accident.
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The creator of the "Moon Rabbit," Hofman, personally explained the concept of the artwork during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday in Taiwan. (Photo credit / 2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
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