Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman who has created playful urban installations like “Rubber Duck” and “Hippopo Thames,” has brought new giant “toys” to the “Celebrate More!” exhibition at The MixC in Luohu District.

Confetti as a symbol of celebration forms a key theme throughout the exhibition organized by R+Production. In the work “Confetti Man,” Hofman continues his recent exploration into the portrayal of the human figure, in this case, a figure that is covered from head to toe in thick layers of larger-than-life confetti.

Presented as a joyful character with a friendly demeanor, the figure provokes a stream of questions: Is there a person underneath or is it an illusion? Is the figure jumping for joy or for something else? And what happens when celebration turns to excess? Ultimately, the work sets out to question the relationship between humans and the material world.

Giant furry sculptures, such as “Fat Panda,” reflect the artist’s celebration of relaxation and enjoying life. Bright colorful birds donned out in party hats seem to be celebrating the essence of hope.

Zooming in on humans’ shopping behavior, Hofman presents a series of three sculptures each portraying an animal engaged in the activity of shopping, be it shopping offline portrayed with several shopping bags, or online shopping with the animals glued to their phones.

Hofman expands his imagination by merging local culture into his artworks and provokes the missing interaction. Social engagement and communication are key elements in his creation as he seeks to generate an encounter for viewers by sharing his passion for aesthetics within the public realm. A new series of works titled “Zodiac Party” is also presented. They are sculptures depicting the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. Viewers are invited to add colors to the sculptures by pasting plasticine clay provided at the exhibition.

Through his works, Hofman aims to challenge viewers’ levels of comfort by recasting the perspective on simple everyday objects. The familiar and positive attributes of his artworks allow the public to explore art in an inclusive, sociable and enjoyable way. Subsequently, he crafts these everyday items into clear and iconic images, oddly oversized “toys” that surprise and delight through their sheer size and use of materials.

“My sculptures cause an uproar, astonishment and put a smile on your face. They give people a break from their daily routines. Passers-by stop in front of them, get off their bikes and enter into conversation with other spectators. People are making contact with each other again. That is the effect of my sculptures in the public domain,” said Hofman.

Dates: Through March 26, 2023

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Mondays

Tickets: 78-98 yuan per person, 178 yuan for two persons

Venue: Art Space, Phase 3, The MixC, Luohu District (深圳万象城三期艺术空间)

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Grand Theater Station (大剧院站), Exit C

(SD News)