'A Study in Unhuman Sexual Expectations'

Inaugurated in 2012 in central Helsingborg, Sweden, these five rabbit figures, each roughly 3.5 feet (1 meter) tall and crafted from water-polished granite, are the creation of the prominent Swedish cultural personality Marianne Lindberg De Geer. Her fascination with rabbits dates back to childhood when she discovered the bustling White Rabbit in the fairytale Alice in Wonderland, constantly calling for Mary Ann, Marianne in Swedish, which happens to be the artist’s first name.

While children are drawn to hugging and playing with the whimsical rabbit sculptures, parents may find themselves intrigued by other facets of the artwork, especially if they’ve noticed the small plaque on the ground revealing its title: A Study in Unhuman Sexual Expectations [sic]. This underscores the tension depicted among the group of rabbits. Despite their innocent-looking large eyes, the suggestion of a post-coital state is evoked by their facial expressions, slightly bent ears, and resting positions.

Two of the artwork’s rabbits are meant to lie on their backs. However, they have been repeatedly propped up by potentially mischievous individuals or well-meaning, but misinformed volunteers. Every time the rabbits are moved, the municipality must use a crane truck to carefully lower the sculptures, each of which weighs approximately 550 pounds (250 kg), back to their intended artistic presentation. This can’t be done manually as previous attempts have resulted in broken ears.

Just like real-life rabbits, Lindberg De Geer’s figures have been prolific at reproducing, meeting human expectations regarding this behavior. Sculptural relatives can namely be found in some other Swedish cities like Stockholm, Lund, Borås, and Skellefteå, yet it’s in Helsingborg where the largest collection of these granite rabbits resides.