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There is something wonderfully contradictory about Harry Bunce’s work.
At first glance, the familiar rabbit feels almost nostalgic — a character that could have wandered out of a childhood story. But look again and the innocence begins to disappear.
In the Blue Corner is a fighter.
One eye bruised and darkened. A plaster across his cheek. Boxing gloves raised. He looks as though he has already taken a few punches, yet there is something almost defiant about the expression. He is still there. Still standing. Still ready for another round.
And perhaps that is what I like most about this piece.
We all enter the ring eventually.
Life has an extraordinary ability to land punches when you least expect them. Some leave scars, some leave lessons, and some simply remind you that getting knocked around isn't the same thing as being beaten.
There is humour here, certainly. But beneath it I see something much more human: resilience.
The battered rabbit doesn't need to look invincible. In fact, the imperfections are precisely what make him interesting.
For me, this is another example of Life Through a Lens — an artwork can mean something entirely different to the person looking at it than perhaps even the artist intended.
Sometimes strength isn't about avoiding the punches.
Sometimes it's simply about still being in the blue corner when the bell rings again.
ABOUT THE WORK
In the Blue Corner, 2020
Harry Bunce
Mixed-media original — brush, aerosol painting and screen print on 315gsm Heritage White paper
Variable edition of 24 worldwide
Artist signed and numbered
There is something wonderfully contradictory about Harry Bunce’s work.
At first glance, the familiar rabbit feels almost nostalgic — a character that could have wandered out of a childhood story. But look again and the innocence begins to disappear.
In the Blue Corner is a fighter.
One eye bruised and darkened. A plaster across his cheek. Boxing gloves raised. He looks as though he has already taken a few punches, yet there is something almost defiant about the expression. He is still there. Still standing. Still ready for another round.
And perhaps that is what I like most about this piece.
We all enter the ring eventually.
Life has an extraordinary ability to land punches when you least expect them. Some leave scars, some leave lessons, and some simply remind you that getting knocked around isn't the same thing as being beaten.
There is humour here, certainly. But beneath it I see something much more human: resilience.
The battered rabbit doesn't need to look invincible. In fact, the imperfections are precisely what make him interesting.
For me, this is another example of Life Through a Lens — an artwork can mean something entirely different to the person looking at it than perhaps even the artist intended.
Sometimes strength isn't about avoiding the punches.
Sometimes it's simply about still being in the blue corner when the bell rings again.
ABOUT THE WORK
In the Blue Corner, 2020
Harry Bunce
Mixed-media original — brush, aerosol painting and screen print on 315gsm Heritage White paper
Variable edition of 24 worldwide
Artist signed and numbered