Ecce Artifex, an exhibit highlighting the work of artist Michael Flechtner, can be found at the Museum Of Neon Art (MONA).

Among the work featured is “The Year of the Rabbit.”

The green columns and central circle of the piece are based on a simple bunny head design on slippers given to the artist by his former girlfriend Reiko. In the Chinese zodiac, people born in a Year of the Rabbit are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded and ingenious. The artist was born in the year of the rabbit and a bunny named “Sorry” shows up in many of his works. In “Year of the Rabbit” the rabbit is surrounded by a multicolored spinning circle based on the Wheel of Fortune. The artwork makes a play on the concept of the game of life. Symbols around the wheel represent love, money or common sense. The text “Hare” can stand for the rabbit, but also invokes a Hare Krishna prayer. At the bottom rockets propel into space. 

During art school, the artist worked on a rocket car using chemicals borrowed from the ceramics department.  

“Eighty lbs. of sodium nitrate produces a lot of rocket fuel,” Flechtner said. 

He went by Michael Rocket Flechtner at that time. Occasionally the artist will also use the name Michael Rabbit.

Ecce Artifex is on exhibit through June 7, 2026. MONA is located at 216 S. Brand Blvd. in Glendale. It is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission costs are MONA members – free; general admission – $10; senior (65+) – $8; Glendale residents (with ID) – $5; children (12 and under) – free (with an adult); veterans (with ID) – free; EBT holders (with card) – $3.