The Phoebe the Flamingo statue, also known as the Tampa International Airport Flamingo, is a work of public art by American artist Matthew Mazzotta. It is located at the Main Terminal of the Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida. The statue received its name, "Phoebe," through a community vote.[1][2]
| Phoebe the Flamingo | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Artist | Matthew Mazzotta |
| Year | 2022 |
| Medium | Polyester resin and Fiberglass |
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
| 27°58′48″N 82°32′05″W / 27.98004°N 82.53482°W | |
| Website | Tampa International Airport |
Origins and installation
editInstalled 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.[3][4] Matthew Mazzotta’s flamingo sculpture was selected from 734 art proposals submitted from around the world.[5]
Reception
editThe statue has received positive feedback from travelers, who describe it as "soothing" and a stress reliever.[6] 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.[7]
Awards and accolades
editIn 2023, "Phoebe" won a CODA award in the Transportation category.[8] The statue also received one of two "People's Choice Awards" honors, with more than 3,000 people voting for the piece.[9]
References
edit- ^ "TPA's flamingo statue close to cinching a major international public art award". TPA's flamingo statue close to cinching a major international public art award. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
- ^ "Tampa International Airport's pink flamingo 'Phoebe' earns international art award". FOX 13 News. 2023-09-05. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
- ^ "Phoebe the Giant Flamingo, Tampa, Florida". RoadsideAmerica.com. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
- ^ Roa, Ray. "The name of Tampa International Airport's big flamingo is Phoebe". Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
- ^ Craig, Tara (2020-03-06). "Giant pink flamingo greets Tampa travelers". Passenger Terminal Today. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ^ "Giant flamingo welcomes Tampa International flyers". baynews9.com. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
- ^ "How did a flamingo end up in the main terminal at TPA?". FOX 13 News. 2022-11-18. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
- ^ "Phoebe the Flamingo earns top bill from critics and audiences alike at international art contest". WUSF. 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ^ "Tampa International Airport's pink flamingo 'Phoebe' earns international art award". FOX 13 News. 2023-09-05. Retrieved 2024-06-14.