True to his name, artist Lewis Mallard is known for his low-poly 3D graphic renderings of a duck that he has brought to the physical world as either wearable costumes, murals, or sculptures. Lewis’ mallard has prominent blue eyes bulging out of either side of its head, giving it an almost 360-degree view of its surroundings. The duck is hyper-aware of everything going on around it, much like the average person who spends their time online, scrolling through social media.
Yet, Lewis’ duck bumbles along; it dances around at the park as it waits for the tram, and even as it goes to the bank. Lewis Mallard uses ducks as a conduit for his life’s philosophy. It is a way of life that calls for mindfulness despite people’s hyper-awareness of their surroundings today—surroundings filled with war, famine and climate change. Here, Lewis Mallard allows its viewers to find joy in small everyday occurrences for their mental health. This is so that they, in turn, can help those around them. This is why pieces by Lewis Mallard are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health And Well-Being.
Lewis Mallard is currently based in Toronto, Canada, where he frequently leaves the house wearing his duck costume. He has also created two public art installations. One is a painted Toronto Transit Canard (TTC) barrier at Bathurst and College that is made to look like his signature duck. Another TTC barrier at Spadina Avenue and Harbord Street forms Lewis Mallard’s matching orange shoe and sock combo. He does this despite the city’s laws against vandalism, which call for any form of “graffiti” not sanctioned by the city to be fined up to $5,000.
Still, his cheerful artwork and his antics in the duck costume have been well-received by both government officials and everyday citizens. In an interview with the Toronto Star, a spokesperson for the TTC has stated that the agency thinks that Lewis Mallard is “a lovely duck.” They also added that even though they were not officially working with the artist, they found the pieces creative and beautiful. Without a doubt, these pieces have helped to inject some joy into the grey concrete and serious undertone of the city.
Lewis Mallard’s work shows how the power of art can help bring lightheartedness and mindfulness into people’s everyday lives. Through his whimsical duck character, Mallard encourages us to find joy in simple moments, even amidst the chaos of the modern world. His playful public art installations and humourous performances offer a gentle reminder to prioritize mental well-being and embrace the present. As Mallard continues to charm Toronto with his creative expressions, his duck philosophy inspires everyone to navigate life with more humour and grace.
Find out more about duck suits by Lewis Mallard and his other initiatives by checking his website www.lewismallard.com or Instagram @lewis_mallard.