Florentijn Hofman's giant inflatable rubber duck floats in SZ Bay

Video by Liu Xudong

A giant inflatable rubber duck sailed into the waters of Shenzhen Bay today, attracting flocks of spectators. This creation of Dutch conceptual artist Florentijn Hofman is a highlight of the 2023 Shenzhen Bay Public Art Season which opened today.

Hofman’s yellow rubber duck, dubbed by one of its most vocal critics as “easily the most visible public conceptual artwork in the world today,” originally debuted in 2007, and has since traveled the world, visiting cities such as Sao paulo, Auckland, Osaka and Sydney. It will remain on show in Shenzhen until Jan. 20.

Themed symbiosis, the 2023 Shenzhen Bay Public Art Season will run through March 20 and feature a total of 12 works by 13 artists from home and abroad such as German artist Arnd Christian Müller, and Chinese artists Chen Wenling, Chen Zhiguang, Dai Yun, Deng Xiao, Fu Zhongwang, Jiao Xingtao, and Li Xiangqun.

Admission is free for all the Art Season events.

Venue: Shenzhen Talent Park

Time: Dec. 20, 2023-Jan. 20, 2024

Metro: Lines 2 or 11, Houhai Station (后海站), Exit G

Dutch conceptual artist Florentijn Hofman, the creator of the giant rubber duck, shows up at Shenzhen Talent Park yesterday. Photos by Liu Xudong

A young and joyful visitor runs at Shenzhen Talent Park yesterday.

Visitors take photos of the giant rubber duck.

Another artwork on display at Shenzhen Talent Park for the 2023 Shenzhen Bay Public Art Season.

A group of female residents dance in front of the giant rubber duck yesterday.

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