Double Ducks Bring Double Happiness To Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour

Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s art installation called “Double Ducks” caused a stir in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, as a pair of giant Rubber Ducks made a splash.

Standing at an impressive height of 18 meters (59 feet), these inflatable yellow ducks will grace the harbour for two weeks, evoking memories of Hofman’s renowned “Rubber Duck” sculpture that captivated the city back in 2013.

Hofman expressed his desire for the ducks to bring happiness to Hong Kong, stating that they represent “twice the fun, double the happiness,” injecting a fresh sense of excitement into the city.

Against the backdrop of a world marked by a pandemic, conflicts, and political tensions, the artist believes that the timing is perfect to reintroduce this symbol of double luck.

The curator of the installation, AllRightsReserved (ARR), drew parallels between the ducks and the symmetrical Chinese characters “xi” for happiness and “peng” for friends. This artistic interpretation further adds to the significance and cultural resonance of the installation.

Hofman’s inspiration for this giant inflatable rubber duck installation originated from a world map and a small rubber duck, setting off a global tour that commenced in the Netherlands in 2007.

Along the way, these whimsical ducks have graced harbours from France to Brazil, leaving an indelible mark on each location.

Situated near Hong Kong’s central district and Tamar Park, the ducks traversed Victoria Harbour, eliciting joy from the many onlookers.

Anna, a 40-year-old woman strolling along the promenade, expressed her delight in witnessing the ducks’ presence. She voiced a desire for more installation art in Hong Kong, comparing it to the abundance found in Macau and Shenzhen.

Kane, a 40-year-old engineer, regarded the ducks as a positive force for Hong Kong, particularly during times when the society’s morale is low.

He believed that the government’s allocation of public funds to this installation is preferable to other areas, viewing it as a silver lining amidst the prevailing circumstances.