A giant floating heart has become Hong Kong’s latest photographic sensation, attracting couples to pose with the oversized balloons unveiled on Valentine’s Day.
The Chubby Hearts Hong Kong project launched on Wednesday with the installation’s largest balloon, measuring 12 metres in diameter, going up at Statue Square in Central. Smaller balloons will pop up in various locations across the city over the next 10 days.
The project, by UK designer Anya Hindmarch, is presented by the government-funded Hong Kong Design Centre. It is part of the authorities’ drive to bring large-scale “mega events” to the city in a bid to boost an economy struggling to recover after Covid-19.
Speaking at the installation’s launch event at Statue Square, Chief Executive John Lee wished the public a Happy Lunar New Year and a Happy Valentine’s Day.
“I trust your hearts are all as ‘chubby’ as mine is, on this splendid day, where romance is in the air – or soon will be,” Lee said.
He also thanked Hindmarch, who was at the event, for coming to Hong Kong.
“Apart from showcasing Hong Kong’s innovative heart and dynamism, Chubby Hearts has inspired a variety of creative exchanges, between global designers such as Ms Hindmarch and Hong Kong’s own high-flying talent,” Lee added.
The Hong Kong Design Centre will announce the pop-up locations of the installation at 7 am every day on its website. The locations include the Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui, PMQ in Central and Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei, according to the Hong Kong Design Centre’s Facebook page.
Words by Hillary Leung.
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