The journey of the Trippin’ Tuna: art, nature and connection

The Trippin’ Tuna is an impressive 4.5-meter-long mobile artwork made of steel. It is a creation of visual artist Fred Ros. In 2023, the Tuna made a unique tour of the Netherlands, visiting various places. Such as Leeuwarden, the Grand Prix Formula 1 in Zandvoort, the Oerol festival in Terschelling, the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam and various festivals, including the Zwarte Cross. And left a lasting impression at each location.

For more information, impressive photos and videos, check out Fred Ros’s website: De reis van Trippin’ Tuna in beeld.

The arrival of the Trippin’ Tuna on Bonaire

In December 2023, the Trippin’ Tuna reached the Caribbean island of Bonaire. The artwork was temporarily displayed at Van den Tweel, a well-known supermarket. But her journey did not stop there. After the exhibition, the Tuna was placed in the sea, where she literally and figuratively connected with nature. The steel of the Trippin’ Tuna began to change due to the influences of the salt water, giving her an increasingly organic appearance.

A new destination: Bonaire’s airport

In April 2024, the Trippin’ Tuna found a new temporary home at Bonaire’s airport. Here travelers could admire her. After her long journey through the Netherlands and the ocean, the work of art came to rest for a while, but something special was about to happen. In September 2024, at Bonaire’s Mariadal Hospital, the Trippin’ Tuna gave birth to three tiny tunas. These bronze baby tunas, which complemented the work of Fred Ros, were offered for sale to art lovers. They symbolized the Trippin’ Tuna’s ongoing creation and connection to nature.

Want to read more about the bronze baby tunas? Then visit the page ‘Bronzen beeldjes Trippin’ Tuna‘ on Fred Ros’s website.

The Trippin’ Tuna: from open-air museum on the beach to the pool in Rincon

After this event, the Trippin’ Tuna was taken to a beach resort, where an open-air museum was set up. On the beach, visitors could admire the Trippin’ Tuna, along with large images documenting her journey through Holland and the ocean. Then the artwork was escorted to doctor Schräder’s swimming pool in Rincon. Divers helped to carefully place the Tuna in the water so she could enjoy the beautiful view there, at the highest point of Rincon.

Maçaroca restaurant: Culinary indulgence with Madeiran flavors from Portugal

The Trippin’ Tuna eventually found its place in the museum at Maçaroca Restaurant. This restaurant welcomes guests with sophisticated Madeira dishes from Portugal, such as the traditional Bolo do Caco and the famous Espetada, prepared on local charcoal for a unique taste experience. They also offer filet of lamb, bacalao, freshly caught fish and more, while desserts, such as Pastel de Nata and passion fruit pudding, perfectly round out the culinary experience. Enjoy these delicacies, paired with an exclusive selection of wines from Portugal, while being embraced by the lovely Caribbean breeze.

The restaurant is located at 50 Santa Barbara Boulevard, across from STINAPA headquarters, near dive spot Oil Slick Leap.

The Tuna dives underwater: A unique diving experience

From Jan. 19 through Feb. 6, 2025, the Oil Slick dive site will have a special addition: The Tuna will dive underwater! The stainless steel artwork from the Trippin’ Tuna project will be displayed in the Tunarium.

During guided sessions, daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., divers and snorkelers can admire the artwork up close.

The Trippin’ Tuna: A living connection between art and nature

The Trippin’ Tuna marks not only a journey of art and adventure, but also an ongoing interaction with nature. The artwork remains a living symbol of transformation and connection, reflecting both the power of the sea and the creative spirit of the artist.

Learn more about the traveling Trippin’ Tuna and stay up to date via the website by visual artist Fred Ros.