In the heart of Miami, an artist has found a unique way to transform a symbol of childhood nostalgia into an art form that resonates with a diverse, global audience. FLY Miami Art, the creation of artist Facundo L. Yebne, has quickly become a powerful force in contemporary art by using thousands of rubber ducks to communicate profound messages of unity, healing, and emotional resilience.
What began as a deeply personal journey for Yebne, has blossomed into an international movement. FLY Miami Art redefines the boundaries of contemporary art with immersive pop art sculptures and installations, many of which use rubber ducks as their primary medium. These aren’t mere toys; they are symbols of connection, peace, and collective strength.
The idea came to Yebne during a period of personal grief. Seeking healing, he started working with rubber ducks, an object that evoked memories of childhood innocence and happiness. It was then that he realized the potential of these small, colorful figures as a means of artistic expression and emotional storytelling. From that realization, FLY Miami Art was born.
One of the most significant works in the FLY Miami Art collection is “UnityBeak,” a monumental sculpture composed of over 14,000 rubber ducks. The piece features two ducks standing side by side, embodying the idea that strength is found not in isolation, but in unity. The sculpture’s powerful message of solidarity and resilience has captivated viewers and become a well-known fixture on Miami’s iconic Lincoln Road. It has stopped thousands of pedestrians, urging them to pause and reflect on the importance of togetherness, even in a world often defined by division.
Another standout piece from FLY Miami Art is “Proud Love,” a 10-foot heart sculpture crafted from nearly 7,000 rubber ducks. This artwork has become a symbol of inclusive love and visibility, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Displayed prominently in Miami Beach, “Proud Love” celebrates the diversity of love in all its forms and has been embraced by locals and visitors alike as a beacon of acceptance and unity.
FLY Miami Art has made a significant mark not just in public spaces, but also in private collections around the world. Yebne’s glow-in-the-dark duck artworks, as well as his limited-edition pieces, have sparked the interest of collectors, and his work has been featured at prestigious events such as Art Miami, Context Art Miami, Aqua Art Miami. In 2025, he was invited to the Florence Biennale, a testament to the growing recognition of his unique artistic voice and he won Installation Art Fourth Prize Award.
Despite his success in private collections, Yebne’s focus remains on public engagement. His installations invite viewers to interact with his work, turning art from something to be observed into something to be experienced. It’s not just about admiring a sculpture; it’s about creating a shared moment of joy, reflection, and connection.
“I didn’t choose ducks, they chose me. I just gave them a voice. Together, we turned a childhood symbol into a message of strength, unity, and joy,” says Facundo L. Yebne, the visionary behind FLY Miami Art. This sentiment captures the essence of his work: it’s not about the material objects themselves, but about the emotions they evoke and the conversations they inspire.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Yebne is deeply committed to philanthropy. Through his art, he has supported LGBTQ+ causes, donating works like “Glowing with Pride” to organizations dedicated to visibility and acceptance. His contributions to the community reflect his broader mission of using art as a tool for healing, awareness, and social change.
FLY Miami Art has proven that art can be both a source of personal healing and a vehicle for social impact. Yebne’s use of rubber ducks transcends their playful origins, transforming them into powerful tools for storytelling and cultural dialogue. Through his work, he has shown that art doesn’t have to be confined to galleries, it can, and should, live in public spaces, where it can spark meaningful connections and invite viewers to engage with it on a deeper level.
With future projects on the horizon, including the re-launch of his website, FLY Miami Art is poised to reach even greater audiences. The upcoming website will serve as an online hub for art lovers to explore FLY’s growing collection, learn about upcoming installations, and purchase limited-edition pieces. As Yebne continues to expand his influence, his art will remain an accessible, joyful, and transformative force in the world of contemporary art.
For those who are yet to experience the power of FLY Miami Art, there’s no better time than now. Whether it’s through the expansive “UnityBeak” installation or the intimate glow of a rubber duck artwork, FLY Miami Art offers more than just visual stimulation, it offers a message of hope, unity, and emotional connection.
To discover more about FLY Miami Art and explore upcoming installations, visit flymiami.art and follow on Instagram at @flymiami.art.
FLY Miami Art is revolutionizing the way we think about public art. By using a simple, yet powerful symbol, the rubber duck, Yebne has created a new language of art that speaks to people on an emotional level, uniting them through the universal themes of love, resilience, and joy.
