The month of March may be traditionally associated with hares but since late last month a number seemed to have strayed on to Dublin's O'Connell Street and they are causing quite a stir.
The mammals are part of an on-street exhibition by Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane which was launched yesterday by newly-elected Dublin Lord Mayor Vincent Jackson.
The exhibition, which includes nine bronze hare sculptures and one unusual elephant and cougar pairing, showcases the work of Welsh-born artist Barry Flanagan, and represents the Dublin-based sculptor's first major outdoor exhibition in Ireland. The sculptures have been installed at sites from O'Connell Bridge to the gallery on Parnell Square. They have previously been exhibited on New York's Park Avenue and the Champs Élysées in Paris.
The giant hares, which range in height from 3m to 9m and weigh several tonnes apiece, depict the creatures in various poses such as jumping, boxing and beating a drum, with one even defying gravity as it extends into space.
Director Barbara Dawson is confident the hares will appeal to both visitors and locals. "I am sure that these extraordinary, impressive pieces will be enjoyed by thousands of people throughout the summer. This is a hugely significant event for Dublin, and indeed Ireland."
All the sculptures exude a humour that belies their serious form. One 1997 piece, titled The Thinker, is a take on Rodin's classic of the same name. A spindly-limbed hare strikes the familiar pose while directing his thoughtful gaze towards the statue of Jim Larkin.
The exhibition runs until the end of September, which should give Dubliners plenty of time to bestow affectionate nicknames on all 10 pieces, as has been the tradition with various sculptures in the city. A start could be made with The Thinker: "Hares looking at you, Jim".