Florentijn Hofman

Exhibition Poster of ‘Inclusive’ at Whitestone Gallery 

Florentijn Hofman’s solo exhibition, ‘𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚,’ runs from December 2 until January 7, 2024. A veteran of art in the public sphere, the internationally renowned Dutch artist is best known for his playful, large-scale urban installations that scale up animals to larger-than-life proportions. He gained international fame for his oversized rubber duck, Rubber Duck (2007), parked in the waterfronts of major cities worldwide. In this exhibition, Hofman focuses on inclusion and hopes to promote an equitable culture that values, appreciates, and welcomes people of all backgrounds and diverse characteristics. Hofman reflects on family, friendships, sharing moments, and making stories with loved ones and new people, promoting peace and hope.

Florentijn Hofman, Narcissus Flycatcher, Aluminium alloy, 188 x 160 x 95 cm, 2023

Hofman aims to challenge the audience’s comfort by recasting the simple perspective on everyday objects. They are immediately identifiable and have an instant appeal. The familiarity and positivity of the artworks allow the public to explore his art in an affable way. Although artists do not always value the reactions of passers-by, for Hofman, the audience is an essential part of his work. Connectivity, social engagement, and interaction with the audience are key elements of Hofman’s creative process. He wishes to grasp people’s attention by inviting them to join in.

Florentijn Hofman, Steelman, Ceramic, 51 x 104 x 65 cm, 2019

He uses site-specific materials for his works so the locals can identify with the sculpture and experience a bonding experience. Fat Monkey (Sao Paulo, 2010), a huge monkey tied together from 10,000 brightly colored Brazilian icon flip-flops, is a good example. Big Yellow Rabbit (Örebro, 2011) is another. The 13-meter-high installation in the center of a Swedish plaza was constructed on-site of all local materials, wooden shingles, and wooden armature. Using materials and local culture that residents can recognize, Hofman evokes the missing interaction between people.

Florentijn Hofman, Flip Flop Monkey, Ceramic, 122 x 41 x 128 cm, 2019

The exhibition will showcase small-scale versions of his famous public installations: Hippopo Thames, Fat Monkey, Moon Rabbit, Kraken, Kobe Frog, and Bubblecoat Elephant. These small-scale sculptures were created using ceramic.

Florentijn Hofman, Kobe Frog, Ceramic, 86 x 101 x 93 cm, 2019

Hofman chose ceramic for his small-scale sculptures because it evokes the clean and pure shapes of the original works with a sophisticated sheen. Bringing Hofman’s international public projects into the gallery brings elements and culture from each place into one space. The exhibition connects the different elements and fosters interaction between the works and the audiences, thus creating a diverse and multicultural atmosphere.

Florentijn Hofman, Snubnosed Monkey Study, Colored pencil on paper, 20 x 24 cm, 2017

In essence, Florentijn Hofman’s creations serve as symbols of unity, placing the ideals of connectivity and social engagement at the core of his artistic expression. With his inaugural solo exhibition in Korea, ‘𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚.’ Hofman aspires to cultivate a more diverse and tolerant environment, fostering a space where everyone is embraced as equals. His aim is to open hearts, intertwining the delight of experiencing, observing, and learning about his artworks with the joy of appreciating and respecting one another.

Whitestone Gallery
70 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-ku, Seoul
02-318-1012

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