Know & Tel: Street Art Sites
Hunt for cool street art in Hong Kong this March.
1. Rukkit
Thailand-based graffiti artist Rukkit created this gigantic, colorful and geometric patterned fox, right next to the entrance to Hollywood Building on Upper Station Street—one of last year’s exhibits at the yearly street art festival HKWalls. Hollywood Building, Upper Station Street
2. Invader
The anonymous French artist Invader, known for his 8-bit tiled works, came to Hong Kong last year to exhibit his works at PMQ for Le French May, but also left his mark on the city in dozens of locations around town. Although they are at risk of disappearing, they’ve welcomed icons of whimsical pop culture in our busy grey city. Check out this cute “Invasion” of the dinosaur from arcade game Bubble Bobble in Prince Edward. On the side of Hoi Fung Sewing Machine Company, 127-129A Lai Chi Kok Rd., Prince Edward (Go from Prince Edward MTR Exit C2)
3. XEVA
XEVA from South Korea created this quirky portrait of Bruce Lee, the martial arts legend. Tank Lane
4. Hopare
This dazzling portrait was created by French artist Hopare, tucked into the stairway at Tank Lane. This striking piece is bound to capture the attention of passersby. Tank Lane and Hollywood Road
5. WAIS
Hong Kong-based artist WAIS’ impressive painting takes up the entire side wall of the building and adds a nice touch of color to this concrete jungle. Sai Street, behind Tai Ming Building
6. King of Kowloon
Tsang Tsou-choi, nicknamed “King of Kowloon,” is one of the most legendary names in the graffiti world of Hong Kong. Hit up the Star Ferry Pier and scavenge for one of the four remaining works of the late graffiti king. Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui
7. DEMS
This abstract piece is from Spanish graffiti artist DEMS, and is another one of the remnants from HKWalls last year. Blurring the line between typography and abstract painting, this impressive piece can be found on Tai On Terrace in Sheung Wan. Tai On Terrace
8. Vhils
Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto, better known as Vhils, is exhibiting his first solo exhibition in town, “Debris,” presented by the Hong Kong Contemporary Art (HOCA) Foundation at Central Pier 4. It features his signature carving work on one of the city’s trams, where layers of poster paper are carved to reveal the colors and textures beneath. A similar, fantastic piece “Scratching the Surface” can be found on a corner in Causeway Bay. “Scratching the Surface,” Hysan Avenue and Leighton Road. “Debris,” Mar 21-Apr 1, Central Ferry Pier.
9. Mong Kok’s Graffiti Wall (“Wall of Fame”)
This relatively new graffiti spot in Mong Kok East has grown immensely popular for graffiti artists all around the world, with great pieces done by local and international artists ranging from abstract lettering to bright and bold illustrations. Mostly referred by artists as “Hong Kong’s Wall of Fame,” it is one of the most sought after graffiti sites in town. Alley between Argyle Street and Bute Street, entrance just past the Argyle Street Waterworks Depot (111 Argyle St., Mong Kok)
10. Secret Walls X Hong Kong
Secret Walls, a group that hosts live street art battles worldwide, has been running for four years in Hong Kong and over 25 artists have competed at last year’s Clockenflap music festival. This month, Secret Walls will be presenting works from previous years in the ceiling of an iconic Hong Kong tram. This exhibition will run for six months— all you have to do is look up. See facebook.com/SecretWallsxHongKong for more information
