We have followed the peripatetic wanderings of the Big Rubber Duck as it has made its way around the globe. The series of inflatable sculptures by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, is named “Spreading Joy Around the World” but is universally known simply as “Rubber Duck.” The Big Rubber Duck was recently in Norfolk, VA but will be sailing into the Port of Los Angeles leading the Tall Ships Grand Parade of Sail at the Tall Ships Festival L.A., August 20, 2014. It will be the first West Coast appearance of the Big Rubber Duck which has visited more than seventeen cities in at least 10 different countries.
Florentijn Hofman describes his project as follow: The Rubber Duck knows no frontiers, it doesn’t discriminate people and doesn’t have a political connotation. The friendly, floating Rubber Duck has healing properties: it can relieve mondial tensions as well as define them. The rubber duck is soft, friendly and suitable for all ages!
Nevertheless, the Rubber Duck’s travels around the world have been not without adventure. In 2009, while on display in Belgium, vandals stabbed the Rubber Duck forty two times times. While in Hong Kong it suddenly deflated and in Taiwan last New Year’s Eve, it exploded. Nevertheless, the duck always rises again.
I think the world needs more rubber ducks!
I could’t agree more, Jan.
Let us all join Kermit the Frog in singing “Rubber Ducky, you’re the one,” whether we are at the Tall Ships, or simply at home in our respective bathtubs. Why? The last verse says it all:
Rubber Duckie, you’re so fine
And I’m lucky that you’re mine
Rubber duckie, I’m awfully fond of –
Rubber duckie, I’d like a whole pond of –
Rubber duckie I’m awfully fond of you!
(doo doo, be doo.)
Jan and Rick………..I’m with you, but I think we really need a ship full of ducks!!!