In 2000, Dutch artist, Florentijn Hofman, enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts in Kampen, The Netherlands, before pursuing his master’s at the Kunsthochschule Weissensee in Berlin, Germany. With a background in fine arts, Hofman began his career by creating sculptures that often originate from everyday objects. He transformed ready-made materials, chosen for their aesthetic forms, into clear and iconic images that provoke a sense of alienation and unsettlement through their sheer size and use of materials. Hofman aim is to challenge the audience’s sense of familiarity by offering a fresh perspective on everyday objects, and the familiarity and positivity of his works allow the public to approach art in an accessible manner.

Hofman’s sculptures, such as the renowned Rubber Duck (2007), a 26-meter-high inflatable duck, exude a strong sense of positivity and immediately evoke childhood memories. The duck has travelled to various cities worldwide, including France, Brazil, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Pittsburgh, and Santiago. Hofman’s keen attention to his surroundings enables him to explore the possibilities of materials and delve into the essence of the beauty of form and shape. Hofman expands his imagination by integrating local culture into his artwork, highlighting the importance and significance of human connection and engagement in his artistic expression. Social engagement and intercommunication are fundamental elements in Hofman’s creative process. By sharing his passion for sculpture in public spaces, Hofman creates encounters that invite audiences to embrace his universal aesthetic. The joy he instils in his creations encourages audiences to transcend notions of race and religion and engage in a dialogue with the artworks.