Whale in Love

Design Concept

The sculpture’s framework is made of about 35 tons of steel, wrapped with approximately 15 tons of plastic waste materials—such as discarded chairs, buckets, toys, and baskets. Most materials were sourced from community recycling efforts, inviting public participation through a “You throw, I pick” campaign. This interactive approach engaged citizens directly in both art creation and environmental advocacy, highlighting the urgency of marine pollution and the potential of recycling and reuse.

The sculpture is positioned on the Love River’s surface, depicting a humpback whale about to breach the water. It creates a dynamic interaction with the surrounding riverside architecture and pedestrian traffic. At night, integrated lighting effects reflect on the water, making it a visual highlight of the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival and the city’s nighttime scenery.

More than just an eye-catching art piece, “Whale in Love” embodies environmental awareness, community participation, and public education. Created from recycled materials, it calls attention to marine litter issues while becoming an iconic part of the city’s collective memory through its striking form and waterside interaction. It stands as one of the most representative public art projects in Kaohsiung in recent years.