Every building
and street away from the skyscrapers in Sheung Wan and Central are now preserved with historical and cultural values. The area also attracts “street artists” other than tourists. They love abandoned walls of old
buildings and stone floor without anti-skidding porcelain.
Not knowing if
passersby notice, they express the inner selves to
everyone, spraying their colors and words no matter what. When climbing up the
Ladder Street to the Man Mo Temple, their messages are hidden along. Covered by
the aggressive vines and withered
leaves, they are unique in the district.
Their target is the public. Foreigners may find it interesting to see the “graffiti” of two Chinese characters “通渠” with an eight-digit number below in almost every alley. If you think that it is a telephone number, you are right and then—you can be connected to the pipe cleaners. They are advertisement to the mass.
Also, they are storytellers from the minorities or own self. Very little graffiti are drawn on the floor. Lowering your head, you can see “DEATH IS FREE” under your foot. Hong Kong locals rush all the way without clear reasons—maybe a tight schedule or catching the bus. But what is the painter trying to escaping from? We have no idea but share the seriousness and unwillingness.
“Don’t Worry. Love is Innocent.”
“Don’t hide. Live in the way I like.”
Other than mess of signatures, they put rainbow faces on the walls. The
color represents Rainbow in Pride and their support for the local LGBT. “I feel
like if we put personal identities to Pride in Rainbow, people will be more
fascinated with who we are, than with what we are doing.” Its members try not
to reveal themselves but to share feeling with strangers. (http://hk-magazine.com/city-living/article/lgbt-graffiti-group-pride-rainbow#sthash.WTzu0YTZ.dpuf)
The street artists won’t forget about those particular drawing boards in Sheung Wan and Central—every stall is occupied by graffiti. Everybody including the owner gets used to live with them. Some even intend to do it as decoration. The yellow color is more outstanding in the dark other than the boring green ones which is likely to raise environmental friendliness. Maybe it can attract more customers.
Stepping down, out of the dream-like city on the steep slope, you can find a totally unrelated graffiti in the modern part of Central.
by Collector - Elizabeth LAW Ka Mei 53462459