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Phoebe the Flamingo (statue)
The Phoebe the Flamingo statue, officially named "HOME",[1] and also known as the Tampa International Airport Flamingo, is a work of public art by American artist Matthew Mazzotta. It is located at the Central Terminal of the Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida. The statue received its name, "Phoebe," through an International naming contest with over 65,000 entries worldwide.[2][3] Origins and installationInstalled in 2022, the sculpture stands 21 feet tall and is made from polyester resin and fiberglass. It depicts a hyperrealistic flamingo with its head and feet submerged as if wading through water. The design alludes to the debate over whether flamingos are native to Florida.[4][5] Matthew Mazzotta's flamingo sculpture was selected from 734 art proposals submitted from around the world.[6] ReceptionThe statue has received positive feedback from travelers, who describe it as "soothing" and a stress reliever.[7] It has become an iconic part of the airport's interior, frequently appearing in travelers' photos. Kelly Figley of the TPA Public Art Program noted the positive reactions of visitors upon seeing the sculpture.[8] Awards and accoladesIn 2023, "Phoebe" won a CODA award in the Transportation category.[9] The statue also received one of two "People's Choice Awards" honors, with more than 3,000 people voting for the piece.[10] References
See alsoInformation related to Phoebe the Flamingo (statue) |
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