Giant inflatable ducks make waves in Hong Kong

Two giant inflatable ducks have made a splash in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, marking the return of a pop-art project that sparked a frenzy in the city a decade ago.

The two 18m tall yellow ducks by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman resemble the bath toys many played with in their childhood.

Hofman said he hopes the art exhibition brings joy to the city and connects people as they make memories together.

Hong Kong Giant Ducks
The pop-art project has returned to Hong Kong (Louise Delmotte/AP)

The inflatable ducks will stay in Hong Kong for about two weeks.

Many Hong Kongers at the promenade recalled the happiness his work brought to the shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui in 2013. Some were excited to see a pair of ducks on Friday instead of just one duck like the earlier exhibition.

Among the visitors was artist Laurence Lai, who brought paint brushes to make watercolours of the ducks. Mr Lai said the city was full of negative vibes during the Covid-19 pandemic and that it is time for the city to move on.

Hong Kong Giant Ducks
The ducks are 18m tall (Louise Delmotte/AP)

Shenzhen resident Eva Yang and her young daughters were also happy to see the ducks, saying they made their sightseeing in Hong Kong more memorable.

“They’re spectacular,” Ms Yang said.

In 2013, residents and tourists packed streets near the Tsim Sha Tsui pier to catch a glimpse of Hofman’s duck.

Hong Kong Giant Ducks
Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman created the ducks (Louise Delmotte/AP)

Chinese censors blocked searches for the term “big yellow duck” after people shared an image in which the tanks in the iconic image – when a man stood in front of Chinese tanks – were replaced with a line of oversized giant rubber ducks.

Hofman’s rubber ducks have been on a world tour since 2007.

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