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Header image courtesy of AllRightsReserved
If you have been living in Hong Kong for some time, you might recall a certain yellow, floating art installation that appeared in Victoria Harbour a decade ago. If you missed it, not to worry—the giant Rubber Duck, created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, is returning to Victoria Harbour on 10 June, and it’s arriving with a friend this time! Here’s what to expect and where you might spot the Double Ducks installation around the city.
Hofman is bringing back his iconic creation to the waters of Hong Kong for a series of celebrations. Not only is 2023 the tenth year anniversary of Rubber Duck’s appearance in the city, but it also marks the twentieth anniversary of the creative collective, AllRightsReserved (ARR), that brought the yellow phenomenon around the world.
The new installation, Double Ducks (2023), features two 18-metre-tall yellow rubber ducks. Appearing as a duo, the pair of ducks symbolise doubled and symmetrical Chinese characters such as 囍 (hei2; a character commonly used in weddings and celebrations of birth, meaning happiness or “double happiness,” as it is made up of two characters for happiness set side by side) and 朋 (pang4; “friendship”), which are associated with prosperity and partnership, as well as coming together as one. As the founder of ARR mentioned, “[o]ur goal [for this installation] is simple—to spread happiness.”
The meaning of public art has changed considerably since Rubber Duck first docked in Victoria Harbour in 2013. As such, ARR and Hofman have decided to bring their ducks to the public in ways more intimate than the highlight harbour installation.
A special series of Double Ducks with Hong Kong Signature Icons is launched alongside the giant installation, with 24 unique depictions of Double Ducks plastered at landmark locations around Hong Kong, such as the Clock Tower and Space Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui, LKF, and the Instagrammable Choi Hung Estate.
These pairs of ducks are illustrated to be enjoying local treats such as dim sum and pineapple buns, participating in cultural events such as lion dances and the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, and are featured against iconic pawn shops and wet markets.
Commuters frequenting Admiralty Station will also arrive to find an impressive display of ducks inside and outside the station, whilst the Double Ducks Tram can be spotted waddling around Hong Kong Island starting from 1 June!
Meanwhile, the Double Ducks giant installation can be spotted from 10 June at Victoria Harbour, seen from Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section).
A series of limited-edition items have also been launched along with the Double Ducks installation. Featured merchandise includes bronze and hand-crafted wooden sculptures, vinyl figures, and plush toys of the iconic ducks. Notably, the themed mahjong set sees adorable ducks etched into the tiles of the popular local game, while the blue and white ceramic teapot set incorporates the yellow rubber icon into a distinctly Oriental design. These collectible duck items are available at DDTStore from 5 June whilst stocks lasts. Orders can be made online and delivered or picked up in-store.
Born and raised in Hong Kong and educated in the UK, Celia is passionate about culture, food, and different happenings in the city. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her scouting for new and trendy restaurants, getting lost in a bookstore, or baking up a storm at home.
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