Elephants have been given a new home in Hong Kong until September 9, and a creative outlet too. Since 2011, the Elephant Parade—the world’s longest running and largest public art exposition in support of elephants—annually sets up camp in a different cities around the world, filling public areas with life-sized baby elephant statues designed by artists and celebrities. So far, 14 cities have hosted Parades (Amsterdam, London, Singapore, and Milan to name a few), and artists have ranged from the HRH Prince Consort of Denmark to Katy Perry and Diane von Furstenberg, donating their time and creativity to raise awareness about the protection and preservation of the trunked animals.
Presented by Swire Properties, Hong Kong’s Parade of more than 100 individually painted statues presently fills three locations: Pacific Place, Cityplaza, and Citygate Outlets. Architect Andre Fu covered his statue in rhythmic brushstrokes of gold and deep violet, Carsac and LeSportsac joined forces on creating an exclusive print of city landmarks to cover theirs named “We Love Hong Kong,” actress Kathy Chow’s glossy pink pachyderm wears a ring around its trunk to symbolize a lifelong promise of love and supportive commitment. Each Parade culminates with an auction of the art pieces at a renowned auction house, and the net proceeds are donated to the Asian Elephant Foundation. Twenty percent of the Parade’s profits from surrounding events and goods sold—limited edition statues, ArtBoxes to decorate an elephant of your own—go to support the foundation as well.
For more information, visit Elephant Parade.