A giant rubber duck is probably one of those things that doesn't require much of an introduction. (The name sort of says it all.) Besides, most of us in the Greater Pittsburgh area -- and probably across much of Western Pennsylvania -- are already aware of the "avian artwork" that has made its way up and down many of Pittsburgh's waterways.
Still, a giant rubber duck floating its way across our rivers is enough of a rare occurrence that it seems worthwhile to take a look at how it got here. The Rubber Duck is the creation of artist Florentijn Hofman, a 36-year-old Dutch artist who is famous for his "temporary sculptures," which have appeared in urban settings around the world. From 20-foot-tall blue sparrows for a Belgian annual music festival, to a nearly 100-foot-long aardvark commissioned by a zoo in the Netherlands, Hofman's unique urban pieces are undeniably eye-catching ... and a whole lot of fun.
Another of Hofman's "temporary sculptures," on display in the Netherlands
The Rubber Duck Project made its first appearance in 2007, with giant Rubber Ducks appearing in harbors in Amsterdam, Belgium, Osaka, Sydney, Sao Paulo, and Hong Kong. (Each city builds its own duck, following Hofman's specifications.) The Pittsburgh Rubber Duck marks a Duck's first US appearance -- with more tour dates across the country to follow. (Pittsburgh's Duck will be on display for the next several weeks.)
Hofman's words on creating the Rubber Duck seem to match the approach he takes to all his work: it's all about bringing joy to those who see his creations. "My sculptures ... give people a break from their daily routines. Passers-by stop in front of them and enter into conversation with other spectators. People are making contact with each other ... The Rubber Duck knows no frontiers, it doesn't discriminate, and doesn't have a political connotation. ... [the Duck] can relieve mondial tensions as well as define them."
From the top of a Japanese art museum
The Rubber Duck is here, in part, to help launch the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts. The festival is a chance for artists from around the world to launch their debut performances. (You can check the festival's calendar of events here.)
Our Rubber Duck is a bit smaller than normal (to help it fit underneath our myriad bridges) -- but at 40 feet tall and three stories wide, it's still a waterfowl to be reckoned with. The Duck is currently moored on the Allegheny River, near the Point, and is scheduled to remain in town until at least October 20. Don't miss it!
Links
Follow the Rubber Duck on Facebook: RubberDuckPGH
Follow the Rubber Duck on Twitter: @QuackPgh
Check out a "Just Ducky" Tour of Pittsburgh -- tour the city (and perhaps glimpse the Duck) by land and water!
Read more about the Rubber Duck from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Check out a photo gallery of Florentijn Hofman's urban art creations
The Rubber Duck Project - From the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts
"QUACK."
-- Post by Ms. B
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