Two inflatable giant ducks made a splash in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour on Friday, marking the return of a pop-art project that sparked a frenzy in the city a decade ago.
The two 18-metre tall yellow ducks by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman look like the bath toys many played with in their childhood.
Shortly after their launch, dozens of residents and tourists were already drawn to the promenade near the government headquarters in Admiralty, where they were stationed around, to take photos with them.
Hofman said he hopes the “Double Ducks” art exhibition would bring some joy to the city, helping people connect and make memories together.
“Hong Kong really needs it, it’s really craving for it. I mean, the pandemic really is one the topics why we bring it, because we need some joy," he said.
The two ducks will stay in Hong Kong for about two weeks, subject to weather conditions.
Hofman has been taking his Rubber Duck on a world tour since 2007.
At the promenade, many Hong Kongers recalled the happiness brought by his work in the shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui in 2013.
They said they were excited to see a pair of ducks on Friday, instead of just one giant duck like a decade ago.
“There was only one duck last time...The ducks so adorable and are located so close to us this time,” said resident Fu Tak-gor.
Among them was artist Laurence Lai, who brought brushes to make watercolour paintings of the ducks' arrival, as he said it provided good artistic opportunities for artists.
In 2013, many residents and tourists packed streets near the Tsim Sha Tsui pier to catch a glimpse of Hofman's duck. But it was once deflated during the display period and caused disappointment in the city.