The Art Scene In Hong Kong

The blue-tinted skyscrapers, the bustling markets, and the maze of hiking trails all coexist to create the unique landscape of Hong Kong. Specifically, its notable art scene welcomes traditional, contemporary, and abstract artists to share their personal styles with the public. While many art galleries populate the city, the street art displayed on old buildings and walls scattered throughout it is inescapable. Hong Kong’s famous street art also brings a unique twist to the culture. The contrast between the bright colours of the artwork on the dull colours of the surrounding walls echoes the diverse and lively culture that makes up Hong Kong. 

One of the first renowned graffiti artists, Tsang Tsou Choi, began using graffiti and calligraphy as a form of protest against the stolen land from Britain. From the 1950s, his ideals were printed on public walls across the city; however, the authorities responded by covering his work. In other instances, it was washed away by time. Although his graffiti was initially considered an utter act of vandalism, his work has grown to be accepted by society. The remnants of his creations, now considered an artistic palimpsest, can be faintly seen under bridges and on light poles, some of which have revealed themselves through the peeling of paint that was meant to conceal them. [include photo of a palimpsest of his work, paint peeling revealing his art beneath]. [include another sentence here to bridge Tsang Ts

ou Choi’s political art to other artists moving in and essentially popularizing street art, following him. Maybe they weren’t overtly political, but the other artists were inspired by his “the streets are my canvas” style of work]

As a result of the popularization of this countercultural, artistic movement, many companies now commission artists to display artwork on their walls. HKWalls is a non-profit organization that gives local and international artists an opportunity to showcase their art every year. This organization partners with businesses and communities to provide access to blank walls and buildings as a canvas for artists. Each piece of art has a distinct meaning and story behind it, and captures the essence of both the ever-changing local and international cultures and values. Besides using these original and unique illustrations to attract people, street art was also an important tool used during the 2020 protests, acting as a visualization of local voices against their government. The growing acceptance and appreciation of street art and graffiti have brought a new angle to the already culturally diverse aspects of life in Hong Kong. Amidst the crowded and busy streets of the city, this form of art quietly sits on the sidewalks, while simultaneously serving as a crucial way of amplifying values and expression. The contribution of street art to the cultural landscape simply brings comfort to everyday passersby.

Social media’s prevalence in our lives, coupled with users who compulsively share their experiences with others, has brought attention to street art in Hong Kong. This new appreciation for contemporary art marks a cultural turnover: In the past, many people visited Hong Kong for the purpose of finance and work, taking in shopping, food culture, and the city’s natural landscape, mostly confining themselves to areas like the Victoria Harbour, Landmark, and the Dragon's Back hiking trail. Although this continues to remain true, many streets and neighborhoods have become Instagram hotspots, and travelers now seek to spend time in previously overlooked neighborhoods. Street murals have become one of the city’s main attractions, and city tourism has become democratized, in essence. Certain murals in Hong Kong have attracted both locals and tourists for the sole purpose of taking photos to post on social media. These attractions not only bring tourists, but also inspire other artists to leave a piece of their work in the city, with the hope of contributing to Hong Kong’s scene alongside the many other famous artworks.