Rottendam Fikki and his important task (8 photos)

Every sculpture or statue that people want to see as an important and interesting landmark must have a story.





This mischievous puppy sits on the main pedestrian street of Rotterdam for a reason: the kid glorifies the youth and stubbornness of local studious.



This cute bear-like puppy was given to the Dutch city as a gift by Hungarian artist Joeki Simak to celebrate the centenary of the Rotterdam Student Housing in 1963. It is believed that the statue represents youth, strength and depth of thoughts and perseverance of students.





Because of its connection with students, the figure began to be perceived by young people as a kind of protective talisman. Accordingly, this approach provided both positive and negative results. Voluntary care has become a definite plus: students regularly look after the dog, clean the area around and clean the bronze patron.



But at the same time, the close connection of young people from the student environment made Fikki a kind of bone of discord: different groups of students at war with each other, out of a desire to prove their opponents right, kidnapped the puppy three times. True, so far everything has gone without consequences: Fikki ended up in his rightful place every time.



In 1975, the dog went through a transformation of sorts: an expressive bronze pile appeared nearby, designed by Hans Citroen. The purpose of the supplement in the form of physiological waste, commissioned by the city recycling service, is to draw attention to the problem of garbage and general clutter, as well as waste disposal.



The puppy is popular with local residents, and he is looked after almost better than a real live dog. In winter, the sculpture is often wrapped in a cozy scarf. In the summer, a bowl of clean water is placed next to Fikki so that dogs walking nearby can quench their thirst.