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All Portugal Vila Nova de Gaia 'Half Rabbit'

'Half Rabbit'

This giant sculpture made of trash is a critique of society's wastefulness.

Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

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Asia London Palomba
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“Half Rabbit.”   Carolyn Eaton/Alamy
The “Half Rabbit.”   Asia London Palomba / Atlas Obscura User
The half of the sculpture showing the materials’ original colors.   Asia London Palomba / Atlas Obscura User
Details of the sculpture.   Asia London Palomba / Atlas Obscura User
  Michael Busch / Atlas Obscura User
  JELLIS / Atlas Obscura User
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About

On one of the many buildings peppering the quiet and winding streets of Gaia, Portugal, is a massive rabbit sculpture made from recycled materials and trash collected from the city.

The sculpture, which was brought to life by Portuguese artist Bordallo II (who often creates animal art using repurposed materials), serves as a subtle yet scathing critique of society's wastefulness and its consequences for the natural environment. The art piece is also a call for increased social awareness of ecological sustainability.

The sculpture is positioned on the building in such a way that the rabbit is seemingly folded in two, with one half being multicolored and the other unpainted, which serves to illustrate the materials' original colors. It is for these reasons that the artwork is called the "Half Rabbit." Metal pieces, street signs, and plastic containers are just some of the materials used to create the rabbit's eyes, ears, and whiskers.

 

Related Tags

Trash Sculptures Street Art Art Public Art

Know Before You Go

Gaia is located on the other side of the Douro river and faces the city of Porto. You can get to this city and the sculpture from Porto by crossing the Luís I bridge or by taking the Teléferico (cable car) down. In fact, the sculpture can be seen from the Teléferico.

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Added By

Asia London Palomba

Edited By

JELLIS, Kerry Wolfe, Michael Busch, bridgetfazio

  • JELLIS
  • Kerry Wolfe
  • Michael Busch
  • bridgetfazio

Published

August 9, 2019

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  • https://streetartnews.net/2017/06/half-rabbit-by-bordalo-ii-in-vila-nova-de-gaia-portugal.html
'Half Rabbit'
R. Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 42
Vila Nova de Gaia, 4430-999
Portugal
41.136905, -8.615034
Get Directions

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Photo of Vila Nova de Gaia

Vila Nova de Gaia

Portugal

Places 5

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