Know & Tel: Affordable Art

Art in a Box
Crafty subscription service Art in a Box is the perfect way for art lovers to kickstart their collection, especially for Hongkongers in tiny flats who may want to spruce up their living space with affordable and easily displayed art. You’ll receive monthly boxes of original paintings, prints and more. Each piece is made by different artists from the Bay Area in the US and curated by the Compound Gallery in Oakland, California. Subscriptions start from US$60 per month (about $460) for a minimum of three months, with international shipping rate included. Artinabox.net

Been Here There and Everywhere Canvas Company
Typography enthusiasts will adore the work done by Been Here There and Everywhere Canvas Company. Known for its signature text-based canvas artworks, it offers personalized and customized pieces for baby birth announcements, scrolls, world travels, family rules, favorite quotes, or pretty much any text you want stylized and stretched onto a canvas and framed. Have a photo you’ve taken that you want printed and framed? BHTE can do that for you as well, in a range of different styles and sizes starting from $450 for an A4-sized canvas print. 9772-3864, beenherethereand everywhere.com.hk

Blank
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind designs for your wall and rug decorations, online store Blank provides bespoke services for you to create a unique motif running through your home. Choose from iconic prints or patterns, or feel free to bring your own ideas to the table for a truly personalized piece of art. Smaller canvases are also offered at Blank, such as a personalized family tree or word search made up of the names of your dearest, for a warm and affordable gift. 2239-4303, blankbespokeart.com

Ciaolink
Founded by Japanese designer Megumi Takami, Ciaolink is an online brand selling artworks of beautiful Hong Kong townscapes: from views of the harbor to an impression of the city’s busy neon signs and more. Drawn by the Japanese artist Kiyoko Yamaguchi, the incredibly detailed artworks are done on an exclusive “Pachika” paper, which reacts to heat and pressure to create an interesting embossed texture. They’re great as gifts for friends leaving Hong Kong, but can also be beautiful additions to any room. Ciaolink’s artworks are also sold at The Mixing Bowl. Free delivery (and slightly cheaper) when you order online. 5 Shin Hing St., Sheung Wan, 2524-0001, ciaolink.com

InBetween Shop
This edgy vintage store fits right in on hipster Tai Ping Shan Street in Sheung Wan. Though it mainly stocks an assortment of jewelry and quirky home décor items from local designers, plus some awesome antiques, InBetween also carries original vintage posters—think David Bowie concert posters and artwork from cult movies such as “2001: A Space Odyssey.”   6B Tai Ping Shan St., Sheung Wan, 6097-1817, inbetweenshop.com

Mischmasch
Love all kinds of illustration art? Mischmasch, an online art site established in 2009, displays and sells whimsical drawings all curated in Hong Kong, inviting artists from all around the world to display their wares. There’s also a physical gallery space, in case you want to check out the works in person before buying. Unit A, 18/F, Shing Hing Commercial Building, 21-27 Wing Kut St., Central, 3165-8017, mischmasch.com