The 2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival ended on September 14, drawing 2.46 million visitors over 11 days. Among the most anticipated installations was the 25-meter-tall Moon Rabbit by Dutch artist Hofman. Its cute appearance and billowing fur brought joy and a sense of healing to many, leaving countless memorable photos with the rabbit and helping many discover Taoyuan’s important cultural asset—the Navy Taoyuan Base. However, on the morning of September 15, a fire broke out during construction by the exhibition team, and the Taoyuan County Government expressed deep regret and sorrow.
The spotlight installation of the 2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival, "Moon Rabbit," with artist Hofman joining visitors in a flash art performance. (Photo credit/2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
The Taoyuan County Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that after the festival ended at 8 PM the previous evening, the contracted exhibition team began dismantling on-site hardware, tents, and other structures, while also packaging and transporting the artworks on loan from the artists. As for the Moon Rabbit, custom-designed by Dutch artist Hofman for Taoyuan County, the exhibition team planned to handle its post-festival arrangements on September 15 after the 11-day event.
The condition of the Moon Rabbit after it was accidentally burned. (Photo credit/YOUTUBE)
During the disassembly of Hofman’s "Moon Rabbit," workers first removed the ears and head, placing them on the nearby grass, followed by the limbs. After the disassembly, a construction accident caused a grass fire that spread to the rabbit, resulting in scorch marks on the right side of its torso and some limbs. The damage covered less than five percent of the artwork, and the Moon Rabbit was not completely destroyed.
At the time of the incident, Wang Yuling, general manager of Hofman’s Asian art agency—Weilong Art Company, informed him. His immediate concern was, "Was anyone hurt?" He also humorously remarked that the Taiwanese enthusiasm and the weather had made the rabbit too hot.
A panoramic view of the flash art performance featuring the 2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival highlight, "Moon Rabbit." (Photo credit/2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
He also emphasized that environmental sustainability is a key focus in his global exhibitions. The materials used are eco-friendly and recycled. This piece, inspired by the Chinese myth of the Jade Rabbit making medicine, was custom-created for the Taoyuan Land Art Festival. It was a one-time installation exhibited only in Taoyuan and was slated for dismantling and recycling after the event. He expressed relief that no one was injured in the accident.
Moon Rabbit creator Hofman personally explained the concept of the artwork during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday in Taiwan. (Photo credit/2014 Taoyuan Land Art Festival)
- 1
- 2