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Big Rusty, a 20-foot-tall troll sculpture in Hainesport, New Jersey, recently fell victim to vandalism. This stunning art installation was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, known 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 United States. Each piece is designed to encourage environmental awareness and creativity.

The sculpture, which stands near the South Branch Rancocas Creek, was constructed from 100 square meters of rubble 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 daubed the statue with graffiti, and local police are currently looking for three suspects in connection with the incident.

Since the installation is equipped with cameras, there is hope that those responsible will be caught. It is a shame that this imaginative and environmentally conscious work of art, which has become a unique landmark in the area, has already become the target of such destructive behavior.

This is not the first time. The landmark was vandalised a year ago:

Published on 04.09.23

State police are asking for the public's help in identifying three people involved in a vandalism act in Hainesport Township, Burlington County. The incident occurred on August 9 and involved multiple graffiti markings on a well-known township-owned statue referred to as “Big Rusty.”

A 20-foot-tall sculpture made from recycled materials was created in 2023 and now stands off Route 38, transforming an abandoned pottery studio into an art landmark.

The creation, named “Big Rusty,” is the brainchild of Thomas Dambo, a recycling art activist from Denmark. The sculpture is strategically positioned so that its left arm rests casually on the studio, which provided the artist with thousands of recycled components. The property is set to be turned into a park in the near future.

Big Rusty is made up of thousands of parts collected from the property itself. Components include a rusty metal roof, a plywood attic, concrete walls and old pallets. The sculpture is a statement for sustainable art and attracts the attention of locals and tourists alike.

Authorities are asking anyone with information or who recognizes the suspects to contact Trooper Joseph Couzo at the Bordentown Station at 609-298-1171 x 5174. Anonymous tips are also welcome.