Sculpture "Bospolder Fox" by Florentjin Hofman

Giant fox appears on the streets of Rotterdam

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Artist Florentijn Hofman presents his latest giant fox-shaped sculpture

Between the neighborhoods of Bospolder and Tussendijken is one of the largest sighting spots for foxes in Rotterdam. It’s right in the middle of these two areas where the artist Florentijn Hofman left one of his most recent sculptures: a giant fox.

Giant fox appears on the streets of Rotterdam
Courtesy: ©Florentijn Hofman

The artist’s piece is a way of reminding us of our close relationship with nature, particularly with wildlife. Furthermore, the piece, entitled Bospolder Fox is 16 meters tall. In addition, the locals claim that at night foxes leave their dens and roam the streets.

Giant fox appears on the streets of Rotterdam
Courtesy: ©Florentijn Hofman

In addition, one of the most striking features of the Bospolder Fox is the plastic bag that hangs from its jaw. Hence, the artist asks: Has the fox stolen anything? Is he picking up the trash? Or did you just come back shopping at the market?

Sculpture "Bospolder Fox" by Florentjin Hofman
Courtesy: ©Florentijn Hofman

Moreover, the sculpture is a call to the inhabitants of Bospolder-Tussendijken to respect the presence of these little animals. Thus, many are prey to inordinate hunting to obtain their fur.

Sculpture "Bospolder Fox" by Florentjin Hofman
Courtesy: ©Florentijn Hofman

An intruder

Hence, the artist explained that: “The fox is an intruder, a colorful and witty nocturnal animal that gives a romantic touch to this story; and romanticism is a family yearning for newcomers to the city. The inhabitants of Rotterdam come mainly from other places and, like the fox, seek a better life in the city.”

Giant fox appears on the streets of Rotterdam
Courtesy: ©Florentijn Hofman

In addition, the sculpture also allows children to play between its legs and serve as a kind of refuge. Hofman adds that “Rotterdam must, therefore, keep its doors open to nature, newcomers and new perspectives.”

Giant fox appears on the streets of Rotterdam
Courtesy: ©Florentijn Hofman

Furthermore, the fox is aligned longitudinally to better define the lines of sight from any angle, from the end of the snout to the end of the tail.

Sculpture "Bospolder Fox" by Florentjin Hofman
Courtesy: ©Florentijn Hofman

Lastly, this public project is part of the artist’s series of sculptural essays; works of art that should be read as three-dimensional narratives. By the way, do you remember the disturbing sculpture that frightened people in New Zealand?

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)