A supporter of graffiti artist the 'King of Kowloon' says his work does not bear comparison to the spray-paint vandalism outside the Cultural Centre over Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Art critic Lau Kin-wai said the ubiquitous calligraphy of Tsang Tsou-choi, 81, was genuine art, while the work of revellers was 'nothing about beauty'.
Tsang - who was fined $500 last month for vandalising an electricity box in Central - has just been invited to take part in the Venice Biennale, one of the world's most prestigious art festivals.
'It is always difficult to define what is art. But from what I see, the painted walls [at the Cultural Centre] are about destroying instead of establishing something,' Mr Lau said. He said he found Tsang's calligraphy beautiful because it demonstrated the spirit of simplicity. 'Tsang's works are well structured - and he does not paint on trees,' he added.
Tsang has earned an international reputation with his brushwork. He uses protest graffiti to state his claim that the government annexed his land in Kowloon without compensation, hence the 'King of Kowloon' nickname.
Mr Lau said last month's invitation to display Tsang's works at the Biennale in June was a vindication for the artist, who has been repeatedly arrested over the past 40 years. Tsang, who has difficulty walking, will not attend in person.
