US street artist Kaws bringing gigantic inflatable Companion character to Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour for arts month

A 37-metre-long inflatable version of American street artist Kaws’ signature character Companion is to float in the middle of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour later this month.

Its dispatch into city waters will follow the floating six years ago of a large yellow duck, which proved a hit with visitors and locals.

The giant figure, which will be longer than the nearby Star ferries, is to be set up in a reclining position off the Central Harbourfront to kick off the city’s art season.

Its creator is influential street artist and designer Brian Donnelly, 45, commonly known as Kaws. His series of Companion figures are characterised by two crosses on the face.

For 10 days from March 22, the inflatable will relax on the water, courtesy of a project costing more than HK$10 million (US$1.27 million), according to organiser AllRightsReserved.

The agency was also behind the duck set sail in 2013 and a mob of 1,600 papier mâché pandas brought to Hong Kong by French artist Paulo Grangeon in 2014.