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

Alice Wu

Published: 9:30am, 19 Feb 2024

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Have you caught sight of one of the “Chubby Hearts” around Hong Kong yet? The giant heart-shaped balloons are part of an installation conceived by British fashion designer Anya Hindmarch and curated and presented by Hong Kong Design Centre, with support from the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund.

Bravo to the organisers for bringing hearts to Hong Kong for this season of love. Sure, it may be a little quirky, but so were the giant rubber ducks in Victoria Harbour. That installation, modelled on a child’s bath toy by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, wasn’t just for kids; it touched adults as well, taking us back to the days when life was carefree.

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.

It’s an opportunity to take in the city with a pinch of the silly. Balloons are indeed ridiculous – many seemingly defying Sir Isaac Newton and the intuition that tells us that objects should fall to the ground.

But it’s also that “impossibility” made possible, which makes balloons a symbol of fun, joy and even unimaginable possibility. So, if you chance upon one of the hearts, take a moment to be delighted and let yourself be inspired.

The creator of Chubby Hearts sees them as a way “to spread some joy and share some love”. They were first launched in London in 2018, and returned on Valentine’s Day in 2019 and 2020. Hindmarch said, at the opening ceremony in a short and heartfelt speech, that Hong Kong is her “favourite city” and the site of her very first shop outside Britain.

British fashion designer Anya Hindmarch attends the launch ceremony of her “Chubby Hearts” installation, at Statue Square Gardens in Central, on February 14. Photo: Sam Tsang

For Hong Kong, it’s a fantastic reminder of what an amazing place this city is, and that many take “great pleasure” in being here and sharing Hindmarch’s creation.

And we can be inspired by Hindmarch. Things may not be smooth sailing at the moment. Geopolitical tensions and complexities pose a challenge to our international city. The West Kowloon Cultural District may run out of cash next year. Lionel Messi may not think it is worth spending a moment on the pitch during his team’s match in Hong Kong. Mainland travellers may not see the value of spending the night here.

Even some Hongkongers may not see their hometown as offering enough fun for the weekend. But this city has given each of us something – education, opportunities, family, experiences – that make us who we are today.

Scientific studies tell us that gratitude is associated with happiness, positivity, optimism and resilience. This is what we can all try to practise – taking a few seconds to be grateful every day, even after the Chubby Hearts leave our skyline.

These balloons have brought the power of art, hope and gratitude to the heart of the city. So chin up, everyone.

Alice Wu is a political consultant and a former associate director of the Asia Pacific Media Network at UCLA