(June 13, 2023, New Delhi): “Hong Kong, we are back!” The giant Rubber Duck returns with a buddy this time, and reunites with us all again at Victoria Harbour! Curated by the creative brand AllRightsReserved (ARR), Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s creation captivated Hong Kong as a floating art installation in Victoria Harbour ten years ago. Since 2007, Hofman has taken his monumental Rubber Duck on a world tour and visited Hong Kong in 2013. The icon of happiness attracted enormous crowds to Victoria Harbour. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Rubber Duck’s visit to Hong Kong. ARR is presenting the “DOUBLE DUCKS by Florentijn Hofman” project as part of the celebration, a large-scale public art exhibition at Victoria Harbour that will be open to the public starting from 10 June for about 2 weeks, subject to weather conditions. The duo will be stationed near Tamar Park and the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section), making this decade-awaited project beyond happiness. The “DOUBLE DUCKS” is made possible by supporting organization Hong Kong Tourism Board and lead sponsor Prudential, as well as other sponsors including csl., Ngong Ping 360, VSFG, ZA Bank, and supporting partner MTR Corporation.
In celebration of AllRightsReserved’s 20th anniversary, AllRightsReserved and Florentijn Hofman join hands once again to spread love and joy
This year marks the 20th anniversary of AllRightsReserved. “DOUBLE DUCKS” will be the highlight of the anniversary celebration. The 18 metres tall “Double Ducks”, one of the tallest rubber ducks in the world, return as a duo like the symmetrical Chinese characters “囍” (happiness) and “朋” (friends), symbolizing the prosperity of partnership, friendship, and the double happiness of coming together as one. As Victoria Harbour imminently turns into a large bathtub again for the ‘Double Ducks’ arrival, it will bring renewed enthusiasm to the vibrant skyline and is sure to put a smile on anyone who glimpses this fascinating and delightful panorama, conveying the healing power of art and a positive message of friendship and unity.
“ ‘Rubber Duck’ is one of the well-loved projects among the numerous events we have curated and organised in the past 20 years. People were connected through this large-scale outdoor art installation,” said SK Lam, Founder of AllRightsReserved. “We were frequently asked, in the past decade, when the Rubber Duck would be returning. We have decided, against all odds, to bring back our old friend, accompanied, to celebrate the ten-year milestone. Our goal is simple – to spread happiness. Without the support from friends and organisations, this mission would not become possible.”
“Double duck is double luck,” said the artist Florentijn Hofman. “The work emphasizes friendship and getting connected. Due to COVID, we learned that spending time together is so valuable. Making moments and memories for real, living in the here and now, are things to cling on to. The digital world and living on our devices make us sometimes so blunted. Art can open your eyes and spark up your soul. ‘DOUBLE DUCKS’ is not about looking into the past but enjoying the moment together!”
Hofman was inspired by a world map and a rubber duck to create his giant inflatable rubber duck installation, which he then took on a world tour. Starting from the Netherlands in 2007, it travelled to twelve locations across four continents before making its way to Hong Kong in 2013, becoming Hofman’s most prominent exhibition to date. His freewheeling imagination of childlike wonder has gained notice from the public, inspiring people to take a break from their mundane daily life and connect with one another.
24 images of “Double Ducks with Hong Kong Signature Icons” are now available!
18 selected ones are displayed at 18 MTR stations across the city Admiralty Station transformed into a “Double Ducks” station for a limited time only!
ARR and artist Hoffman share the same vision of integrating art into everyday life. A special series of “DOUBLE DUCKS with Hong Kong Signature Icons”, featuring different local elements, is launched around town. The full series is composed of 24 images with the “Double Ducks” at unique local landmarks including the Clock Tower and Space Museum of Tsim Sha Tsui, Lan Kwai Fong and Choi Hung Estate. They will also be shown enjoying fun Hong Kong treats such as dim sum, pineapple bun and French toast, at traditional festivities like the Fire Dragon Dance, the Lion Dance and the Bun Festival, and at cultural spots like a bamboo theatre and the Big Buddha. The ducks will also take public transportation like taxis, minibuses, and railways; and be featured against the backdrops of the classic red-white-blue fabric, pawn shops, and at wet markets.
To bring art closer to the public, supporting partner MTR has quacky iconic visuals scattered across 18 different MTR stations including Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Choi Hung, and more, starting today (June 1). As important transport hubs for tourists and commuters, the Rubber Ducks’ artworks will undoubtedly put a smile on everyone’s busy day.
MTR station Admiralty’s Exit E promises to be the most impressive of the auxiliary duck displays. The station has been transformed to be the ‘Double Ducks’ Station, where Exit E has become a limited-time “Double Ducks Exit”. Multiple high-impact wrappings and rows of cute ducky footprint, motifs appear in different places in the station. They are sure to be popular settings for selfies. The 6m-tall, 24.5m-wide exterior round-shaped ceiling window has been turned into a giant duck face façade, gazing at the actual
“Double Ducks” paddling in the harbourfront. What’s more? The first interactive screen at Hong Kong Station will be unveiled with the Rubber Duck interactive game. The giant Rubber Duck will appear on the screen, swaying gently as if swimming in Victoria Harbour and interacting with passengers passing by. Ducklings will randomly fall from the top of the screen from time to time. When they touch the passengers on the screen, the sensor will set the hearts in motion, sending off positive energy. With cheerful music playing in the background, this would certainly add fun to people’s busy life.
Catch the “Double Ducks Tram” starting today!
The public can also catch the “Double Ducks” on the tram, the oldest public transport in town. Starting today, the tram themed with “Double Ducks” will be waddling around the town for a month, giving an artistic touch to the bustling city.
“DOUBLE DUCKS by Florentijn Hofman”
Exhibition date – 10 June 2023 onwards
Venue – Victoria Harbour (Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section))
Artist – Florentijn Hofman
Organizer – AllRightsReserved
