Opinion | Why ‘Chubby Hearts’ around Hong Kong are reason to smile
- The giant heart-shaped balloons, like the giant rubber ducks in Victoria Harbour before them, are more than a seasonal display
- They evoke emotions ranging from childlike delight to nostalgia, and are an opportunity to practise gratitude – especially for the city we call home
Just last week, my son and I walked beneath Robert Therrien’s Under the Table – an installation of a typical dining table that stood at nearly 10ft tall, at The Broad in Los Angeles. It brought back not only memories of what it felt like to be under the table when I was a small child, but also a tidal wave of nostalgia the likes of which I had never experienced before. And, once again, I was floored by the power of art.
Art – of the visual kind, especially – evokes strong emotions, provokes us to reflect on the past and offers new perspectives, changing the way we see the world. So the huge heart-shaped balloons aren’t just for children; they play on the innate childlike wonder that’s inert in most of us.
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Giant rubber duck returns to Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour with a friend
Why do children shriek when they see balloons? Why are balloons often part of birthday party and wedding decor? It’s because they evoke delight and a festive feeling. The Chubby Hearts are not just about Valentine’s Day.
At the very least, the hearts that have popped up around the city are a break from the mundane, reminding us that there is much to celebrate in life – and in the city – no matter now bad things might be at the moment. The unexpected appearance of the hearts is a chance to pause, turn our gaze upwards, take in the impactful visual, smile, and take a selfie.
