Creation and Installation
In 2016, Dutch artist Margriet van Breevoort created a sculpture named Homunculus Loxodontus for the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in the Netherlands. The artwork depicts a creature with the head of an elephant seal and human-like hands, seated in a contemplative posture. Van Breevoort designed this piece to represent patients waiting in hospital corridors, aiming to provide comfort and amusement to those who encountered it.
Viral Spread and Meme Culture
In early 2017, a visitor shared a photograph of the sculpture on the Russian social media platform Pikabu. The image quickly gained popularity, and the sculpture was affectionately nicknamed “Zhdun,” derived from the Russian verb “zhdat’,” meaning “to wait.” The figure resonated with many, leading to widespread sharing and the creation of various memes featuring the character in different contexts.
Cultural Impact
The character of Zhdun became a well-known figure in Russian-speaking regions, often used to humorously depict the act of waiting. Its image was incorporated into numerous internet memes, artworks, and even public demonstrations.
In 2016, a strange creature appeared in a Dutch hospital—a round, elephant-seal-like figure with human hands. Created by Margriet van Breevoort for Leiden University Medical Center, it soon went viral and became an internet sensation beyond the hospital walls. 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/7X1bc9Nu9y
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 5, 2025