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Measuring 16.5 x 16.5 x 19.2 meters, the world's largest rubber duck has taken to the waters in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor on May 2.
Welcomed by the last Hong Kong Chinese sailing boat “Duk Ling and witnessed by nearly 1,000 citizens and tourists, Dutch conceptual artist Florentijn Hofman's classic masterpiece, the giant duck floated into water. With Victoria Harbor as its giant bathtub, Rubber Duck is literally the first Hong Kong maritime art exhibition.
Hofman is known for making large, familiar objects and placing them in unexpected locations for maximum impact. The approximately 6-story-high art piece takes the obvious inspiration from the all-time favorite soft yellow bath time toy, using the latest inflatable techniques. The result is a floating art piece that makes a unique contrast with the surrounding environment providing audiences with an abundance of photo-taking opportunities.
Hofman explained to the Asia Pacific Daily how he came up with this concept: “It's an icon of our youth and it recalls our childhood, the time we like playing and don't need to be stressed by earning money.
Hofman exhibited his rubber duck in China for the very first time, bringing a message of happiness and harmony without borders to Hong Kong. (APD/Joanne Zhu)
Since 2007, the duck has traveled to various countries and cities, including Osaka, Sydney, Sao Paulo and many more. Long before its arrival, the giant rubber duck has become a hot topic around Hong Kong.
“I hope the duck will bring happiness and joy to Hong Kong and make people connected, Hofman said, adding that he wanted to give audiences a new perspective on how things can change public space and how art can change life.
Asked about the next stop of this welcomed duck, Hofman said that he planned to bring it to the U.S., Azerbaijan and the Middle East. “Because you know, all the waters in the world, it’s the same bathtub, he said.
The giant toy will remain in Hong Kong for more than one month till June 9.
