Curiosity has Long Ears

Reimaged: Thinking Rabbits Inspire Creativity

The Thinking Fund’s third annual auction turns art into opportunity for youth.

By Citizen reporter

Rabbits don’t just hop around and nibble carrots – they nurture play, and have active social lives. These social animals are toys, space holders, and games of hide-and-seek. They remember faces and, unfortunately, even negative experiences.

Intelligent and considerate, rabbits have long captured our imagination – just ask A. A. Milne, who created Rabbit in Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

This curiosity and intelligence inspired The Thinking Fund, a fundraiser that supports young people pursuing a career in the creative fields and arts, to invite artists to anthropomorphise rabbits, thinking beings together. They created 23 unique Thinking Rabbit sculptures.

Each artist received a sculpture to transform into a one-of-a-kind work of art, symbolising curiosity, creativity, and care. The completed pieces are professionally photographed, exhibited, and then sold at auction.

Founded by Nicola Tyler, an entrepreneur, gallerist, and owner of The Thinking Company, a consulting business focused on teaching people how to rally thinking, The Thinking Fund brings artists, collectors, and communities together to support young people through bursaries in the arts and creative industries.

“We’ve challenged 23 artists to think deeply about how to portray this much-loved yet misunderstood creature,” says Tyler. “The whole idea is to have fun, raise concept and, by doing so, raise funds to sponsor young minds and future leaders in developing creative skills.”

Ten of the completely Thinking Rabbits are exhibited at the Noordhoek Art Point in Cape Town from this month to next Thursday. These featured artists have been selected for their creative voices and artistic styles.

“The other 13 Thinking Rabbits will be showcased at the Boston Open Studios in Bellville on December 1, alongside a group of diverse and talented artists who are running their annual open studios event,” explains Tyler.

“We’ve partnered with Boston Open Studios, who hopefully inspire others to pick up a paintbrush, pen, clay, or a creative tool that expands the mind,” says Tyler.

Annemarie Troost, from Boston Open Studios, adds: “We believe that access to creativity and thinking skills should be fundamental for shaping future leaders.”

From Cape Town, the collective of 23 Thinking Rabbits will be couriered to Cape-based collectors, and then to Johannesburg and Durban for further exhibitions in December and January.

This accumulative art project will be elevated by bringing joy while spreading the creative spark.

“Every service, retailer, or business plays a role. Through supporting this auction, patrons are not just selecting remarkable artworks but investing in the future of South African youth as they explore creative pathways, create opportunities, and nurture potential where it might otherwise go unseen.”

“Our imagination and how we bring ideas to life is important,” Tyler adds. “Creative thinking helps us to see beyond what is and to imagine what could be.”

This project has been made possible through the generosity, expertise, and heart of several key collaborators:

Candice Berman Gallery

Boston Open Studios

Rebulsa

Zip Print

Noordhoek Art Point

The Courier Guy

Eden Sky Productions

Read the Publication HERE