Phoebe the Flamingo (statue) explained

HOME
Other Title 1:Phoebe the Flamingo
Artist:Matthew Mazzotta
Year:2022
Completion Date:2022
Medium:Polyester resin and Fiberglass
City:Tampa, Florida
Website:Tampa International Airport
Italic Title:yes
Mapframe:yes
Mapframe-Zoom:13

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 a community vote.[2] [3]

Origins and installation

Installed 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]

Reception

The 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 accolades

In 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]

See also

2022 in art

Notes and References

  1. Web site: HOME - TAMPA — Matthew Mazzotta . 2024-06-30 . Matthew Mazzotta . en-US.
  2. Web site: TPA's flamingo statue close to cinching a major international public art award . 2024-06-14 . TPA's flamingo statue close to cinching a major international public art award . en-us.
  3. Web site: 2023-09-05 . Tampa International Airport's pink flamingo 'Phoebe' earns international art award . 2024-06-14 . FOX 13 News . en-US.
  4. Web site: Phoebe the Giant Flamingo, Tampa, Florida . 2024-06-14 . RoadsideAmerica.com . en.
  5. Web site: Roa . Ray . The name of Tampa International Airport's big flamingo is Phoebe . 2024-06-14 . Creative Loafing Tampa Bay . en.
  6. Web site: Craig . Tara . 2020-03-06 . Giant pink flamingo greets Tampa travelers . 2024-06-15 . Passenger Terminal Today . en-GB.
  7. Web site: Giant flamingo welcomes Tampa International flyers . 2024-06-14 . baynews9.com . en.
  8. Web site: 2022-11-18 . How did a flamingo end up in the main terminal at TPA? . 2024-06-14 . FOX 13 News . en-US.
  9. Web site: 2023-09-08 . Phoebe the Flamingo earns top bill from critics and audiences alike at international art contest . 2024-06-15 . WUSF . en.
  10. Web site: 2023-09-05 . Tampa International Airport's pink flamingo 'Phoebe' earns international art award . 2024-06-14 . FOX 13 News . en-US.