Giant inflatable duck artist’s next big thing: Hippos
'HippopoThames' —
Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman is famous for taking a giant rubber duck around the world. His next project, "HippopoThames," features a huge hippo.
Steve Stills
Totally Thames —
Hofman built his hippo for Totally Thames, a festival that celebrates London's famous river.
Steve Stills
Aquatic art —
"People just want another duck!" says Hofman. He says his Thames-based project will be his last based on water.
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Everyday objects —
Like his giant rubber ducks, artist Florentijn Hofman says his latest project, "HippopoThames," was inspired by everyday objects.
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Rubber duck, rubber-boned actor —
The artist has garnered celebrity fans. Jackie Chan joined Hofman in Beijing to throw a farewell party for the popular duck when it left to float on to another city.
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Inspiration from mass-produced toys —
"I love the fact that so many toys are made in China and Taiwan. They're sent to the U.S. and Europe and they're in the hands of children for just a few minutes," says artist Florentijn Hofman.
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Dancing ducks, dancing hippos? —
Once "HippopoThames" is unveiled, will the children dance in hippo costumes?
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Beginnings of a cult following —
More than a million people around the world have visited this towering photogenic duck. An estimate of 500,000 spectators came out to see Rubber Duck in Kaohsiung, Taiwan despite the threat of an approaching typhoon.
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Shanghai's 'Pink Kitten' —
In May 2014, Hofman unveiled "Pink Kitten" for Shanghai Design Week. The 10-meter-high kitten was made of bamboo strips.
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Duck on tour —
Hofman's giant inflatable duck has waded through urban waters including Hong Kong, Beijing, Kaohsiung, Sao Paulo, Sydney and Osaka.