ISTANBUL: Actor and artist Johnny Depp is expanding his visual art practice into sculpture for the first time with a work titled The Bunnyman.
The two-metre white bronze sculpture will be unveiled at the Contemporary Istanbul art fair, which runs from September 22 to 27.
The Sigg Art Foundation will present the sculpture as part of the fair’s special projects. It will be displayed outdoors at Tersane Istanbul, a historic Ottoman shipyard on the Golden Horn.
The Bunnyman Has Personal Roots
The Bunnyman depicts a half-human, half-rabbit guardian carrying what is described as a “sword of truth”.
The character has a personal history for Depp. It originated from a childhood drawing made by his son Jack, who is now 24.
Jack drew the figure when he was around five years old. Depp said the image reminded him of a recurring dream he had experienced during his own childhood.
The Bunnyman later became a recurring figure in Depp’s sketches, paintings and prints.
“When people see the painting I did, The Bunnyman, they always ask the same question: where did it come from?” Depp said.
Sculpture Cast in Milan
The sculpture was cast at Fonderia Artistica Battaglia in Milan.
Sigg Art Foundation founder Pierre Sigg said Depp’s participation reflected Contemporary Istanbul’s growing international profile.
“Contemporary Istanbul now draws international artists and galleries who would not have considered it a decade ago,” Sigg said.
He added that the foundation was presenting Depp’s first sculpture as a special project at this year’s fair.
Depp Expands Art Career
Depp has developed a significant career in visual art alongside his acting work.
His first print collection, released through Castle Fine Art in 2022, reportedly sold out shortly after its launch.
The collection generated $3.6 million within hours of its release, further establishing Depp as a commercially successful visual artist.
With The Bunnyman, Depp is now moving into sculpture for the first time.
