Curiosity

Big Duck In Hong kong Harbor (PHOTO)

Updated

10 years ago

May 4, 2013

[caption id="attachment_65527" align="aligncenter" width="620"] giant rubber duck floats in Hong Kong Harbor[/caption]6-Story Rubber Ducks Draws Crowds to Hong Kong Harbor

Visitors are flocking to Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong thanks to an unusual work of art that is floating on the water. A 6-story high bright yellow rubber duck, created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, is making worldwide news as it bobs along the waterfront, pulled by a tugboat. Hofman says he was inspired to create the huge duck to put on display in waters around the world in order to promote harmony and brotherhood.

The gigantic duck was constructed using PVC materials in New Zealand under the artist's direction.

Since 2007 the duck has travelled to 13 different cities in nine countries ranging from Brazil to Australia in its journey around the world.

"It takes me back to my childhood memories," Peggy Shieh, 28, told Agence France Presse.

"I think it's the last time I will see a rubber duck in Hong Kong. It has a message for peace but for me it's just fun," said Kathy Cheung, who took half a day off work in order to catch a glimpse of the art creation.

The duck is scheduled in remain in the harbor on public display in Hong Kong throughout June after previous appearances in New Zealand, Japan, Australia and Amsterdam. The huge duck is deflated whenever waves or very high winds pose a threat to its safety. There are rumors that Hofman's gigantic rubber duck will be heading to the United States next, but there has been no confirmation that America is the duck's next destination or on what body of water it might be appearing next.

"It's about connecting people, don't take life for granted, your urban space for granted. You walk every day the same route to work, but look and stop going too fast," Mr Hofman said.

Children are especially intriqued by the duck's arrival, although the artist is delighted that his work has managed to captivate children of all ages.

[caption id="attachment_65582" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Visitors take picture of a giant Rubber Duck created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman in Hong Kong Thursday, May 2, 2013. Since 2007 the 16.5-meter (54-feet)-tall Rubber Duck has traveled to various cites including Osaka, Sydney, Sao Paulo and Amsterdam[/caption]