Big Rusty, a 20-foot-tall troll sculpture nestled in Hainesport, New Jersey, has recently fallen victim to vandalism. This stunning art installation was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who is renowned for his large-scale sculptures made entirely from recycled materials. Big Rusty is part of Dambo’s “Way of the Bird King” series, a collection of ten trolls spread across the U.S., with each piece crafted to inspire environmental awareness and creativity.
The sculpture, which sits near the South Branch Rancocas Creek, was constructed using 100 square meters of debris from an abandoned pottery factory, including a rusty metal roof, wood, and other discarded materials. Despite its relatively short existence—it was only unveiled in July 2023—Big Rusty has already attracted the wrong kind of attention. Vandals recently defaced the statue with graffiti, and local police are currently seeking three suspects in connection with the incident.
Given that the installation is equipped with cameras, there’s hope that those responsible will be caught. It’s a shame that this imaginative and eco-conscious artwork, which has become a unique landmark in the area, has already been targeted by such destructive behavior.
This isn’t the first time. A year, ago the landmark was also vandalized:
Published 9/4/23
State Police are seeking assistance from the public in identifying three individuals connected to an act of criminal mischief in Hainesport Township, Burlington County. The incident, which occurred on August 9, involved multiple graffiti markings on a well-known statue owned by the township, referred to as “Big Rusty.”
Created in 2023, a 20-foot-tall sculpture made from recycled materials now sits off Route 38, transforming a local abandoned pottery studio into an art landmark.
The creation, named “Big Rusty,” is the brainchild of Thomas Dambo, a recycled art activist from Denmark. The sculpture is strategically positioned with its left arm casually resting on the studio, which provided the artist with thousands of recycled components. The property is set to be converted into a park in the near future.
Big Rusty consists of thousands of parts collected from the property itself. Among the components are a rusty metal roof, a plywood attic, concrete walls, and old pallets. The sculpture serves as a statement for sustainable art, attracting the attention of locals and tourists alike.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or who recognizes the suspects to contact Trooper Joseph Couzo at Bordentown Station by calling 609-298-1171 x 5174. Anonymous tips are also encouraged.