Experiment 002: ‘Operation Bath Duck’

The experiment:

100 plastic bath ducks complete with a web site information dropped into the sea were they would be carried by the current and would eventually be washed ashore at a different point on the globe. Anyone that discovers a ‘scout duck’ would then log on to the address provided were they would learn of my work and then ‘register’ their duck on the web site.

Agenda:

Free world-wide advertising… A business card with a difference!

The bath duck was selected as the advertising flotation device for being both buoyant and ascetically pleasing guaranteeing that a member of the public would not only notice it on a beach but they would also pick it up and take it home. Both assuring the original goal of free advertising but also a sure way to prevent polluting the beach it was washed up on.

Two ferrying companies were contacted and asked if they would participate in the experiment allowing the use of their vessels to introduce the ducks to the ocean. Both declined expressing concerns about “dumping” plastic into the ocean. Confident that a member of the public would pick up the duck I grew concerned of the environmental risks poised to marine life, which may try to eat the ducks. The experiment was put on hold.

2009

Having reviewed the experiment I was confidant that that a bath duck would be taken home if located I decided that the ‘scout ducks’ would instead be strategically placed around the globe. Having been discovered, the duck’s new owner will be able to log-on to the web site and make its location known by registering it. Allowing them to take part in a global experimental art project by submitting a photograph of their duck in its new habitat.

 If you are the new owner of a scout duck then please register it. Provide the location were it now resides along with a photograph (feel free to name the ducky) and it’s serial number (located at the base) the photograph will then be added to the gallery used to catalogue their whereabouts. Register it at ducks@arfon-jones.co.uk

Thank you for assisting in ‘Operation Bath Duck’

Arfon Jones B.A