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“Street art”, graffiti’s more formal cousin, which is often commissioned and sanctioned, has a firmer place in communities, but can still be an important form of “outsider” expression. In some cities, it is legal, within limits, and valued as a form of social expression. Artlane in Sai Ying Pun also offers wonderful artworks made by various talented artists.Visit the gallery of nature-theme street art.In many cities, graffiti is associated with decay, with communities out of control, and so it is outlawed. I’m also a fan of Sheung Wan and all the streets adjacent to Hollywood Road because it reminds me of the Marais in Paris, with all the cafes and super trendy artsy shops. I love Soho - it’s very easy to spot different artworks just by taking the escalators. What is your favourite street or neighbourhood for street art in Hong Kong? I believe artwork can create a spontaneous connection beyond our cultural differences, and that’s the reason why I decided to keep spreading happiness and positive vibes through my art by painting as many smiling faces as possible throughout the city!
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What has been the public reaction to your piece?Īt first, I wasn’t sure if a mural painted by a foreigner would be accepted by the local neighbourhood, but I realised very quickly that people instantly connected with the artwork, and many were so happy to talk to me and take selfies in front of the mural while I was painting. The pink colour of the facade alludes to Japanese sakura flowers, and I also included flying gingko leaves to link the main artwork on the facade to the inside of the restaurant.
EASY GRAFFITI ART FULL
I was very much inspired by our discussion, and I came back to them with this Brazilian lady full of energy and joy, painted with lots of vivid colours. When they approached me, it didn’t take long for me to get completely hooked on the concept and to create something aligned with their vision. The owners of Brazilian-Japanese street food restaurant, Uma Nota, Laura and Alexis Offe, were looking for an artist to create a joyful mural that combined the cultures of both countries. What was the inspiration behind this piece? One of her most beloved works can be found on Soho’s Peel Street, a popular nightlife destination brimming with international cuisine options. Hong Kong-based French artist Elsa Jean de Dieu has been painting her way through Asia since 2008, leaving her mark with beautifully unique wall murals in Hong Kong, Shanghai and beyond.
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Local and international artists alike have taken to using urban surfaces, big and small, as their canvas.Īhead, we chat to three such artists to learn more about their street art murals, as well as their favourite Hong Kong neighbourhoods for art and inspiration. From the “East-meets-West” inspired murals found in busy Central, to the urban graffiti in industrial Wong Chuk Hang, and colourful hipster delights of Sham Shui Po, street art is transforming the cityscape with bold expressions of artistry. And nowhere is this more evident than on the streets. From world-class galleries and exhibitions, to international art events, the creative spirit is well and truly alive here. Make no mistake, there is more to Hong Kong than meets the eye.Ĭase in point - Hong Kong plays host to one of the region’s most vibrant art hubs. Yet take a moment to look beyond these urban tropes, and you’ll soon see why you couldn’t be more wrong. Home to towering skyscrapers and bustling metropolitan streets, it’s easy to assume that Hong Kong is just another sterile city.
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