Hong Kong’s swooning duck ready to return to Victoria Harbour after completing reliability tests at shipyard
- Workers raced to repair giant rubber duck which was deflated because its surface stretched in hot weather
- Viewers express disappointment over missing out on ‘double the happiness’, but still visit to take photographs
A giant duck that was part of a pair floating in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour completed reliability tests and was ready to join its twin after being deflated for repair and maintenance amid sweltering weather, the organiser said on Sunday.
The studio behind “The Double Ducks by Florentijn Hofman” art show said it was forced to deflate one of the duo on Saturday because its surface had stretched in the hot weather.
“The team has been prepared to respond to any unexpected challenges, such as changing weather conditions and other external factors, facing large-scale outdoor inflatable art installations floating in the sea,” said AllRightsReserved, the Hong Kong-based art studio that organised the show.
A source familiar with the situation on Sunday said AllRightsReserved was arranging shipping logistics to return it to Central.
The show, which a source said cost millions of Hong Kong dollars, is expected to end on June 24, but rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the coming days.
AllRightsReserved said it would safeguard the ducks during unstable weather.
Creator Hofman, 46, said his artwork was “a challenging installation”, and the weather was always a “paramount challenge” to deal with.
“I’m glad that the Hong Kong people are still very anxious and supportive despite the siesta the Rubber Duck needs to take this time,” he said.
The artist said he was touched by the Hong Kong people’s vigour, hope and positive feedback. He also appreciated their creativity. “Many thanks for that! We will reunite!” Hofman said.
Some of the artist’s ducks have been in similar situations as a result of bad weather during previous shows in mainland China and Taiwan.
Residents continued to swarm to Tamar Park in Admiralty to pay a visit on Sunday despite there only being one duck floating in the harbour.
Gathering at the park’s viewing spots, onlookers brought rubber ducks, yellow umbrellas or other props to use in pictures they took with the 18-metre (59-foot) tall inflatable installation.
Matt Yeung, an e-commerce worker, wore a pair of yellow trousers to show his support.
He and his wife were taking photos of their two small figurines with yellow accessories and a plush yellow bird doll with the giant rubber duck in the background.
“We were watching the live broadcast of the deflated duck on television until nighttime [on Saturday],” Yeung, in his 30s, said. “I think it’s a pity there is only one duck left because it is better to have a companion. With only one duck left, it is similar to the installation 10 years ago.
“One duck is better than none … We are still very happy to see the duck.”
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Giant rubber duck returns to Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour with a friend
The installation was organised by Hong Kong-based art studio AllRightsReserved, which had said it hoped the display would spread “double happiness”. It also said the pair meant double luck.
A similar duck also created by Hofman was displayed in the city in 2013 but it was only 16.5 metres tall.
Ida Cheung, 41, who works in communications, came to catch a glimpse of the duck with her four-year-old daughter and elderly mother.
“My kid thinks the duck is really cute so she wanted to see it. Although there’s only one left, she is still very happy as it is her first time seeing it,” she said. “It is a bit unfortunate that the other duck is deflated because a pair seems happier and luckier.”
Joyce Lo, a 38-year-old worker in the catering industry, was taking a family portrait, which included her parents, brother, husband and two children, with the duck in the background.
“We planned to take photos of our two kids with the two ducks but it is all right. I guess the other duck will be inflated again.”
She said her family would visit again when the other duck reappeared.
