Artist Miki Ho has captured the atmosphere of Sham Shui Po in sketches at her latest exhibition. “Everybody Studio,” organised by HASS Lab, can be seen at the Bridge+ Living Art Space on Apliu Street. The free exhibition is divided into three sections: “People”, “Community”, and “SEN”.

“I want to bring out the message that everyone coexists in the same area,” says Miki.

The first section, “People”, has a wall-sized illustration of a playground. Miki shows crowds of people closely clustered together, yet each person is working on their own thing.

“The playground is a place that inspires you to imagine and think,” she says.

In honour of Sham Shui Po, the “Community” section has sketches showcasing the area’s characteristics, such as Chinese deities.

“While walking in Sham Shui Po, I saw many Chinese god figurines. I feel like those figurines are part of the neighbourhood,” she says. She also included some “Small World of Street Stall” sketches highlighting the area’s well-known street stall culture.

The last part of the exhibition explores the theme of “SEN”. Miki has worked with SEN students, tutoring them in art. She holds workshops where she leads students on a tour of Sham Shui Po and invites them to create art based on their experience. The SEN section includes new artworks from students, made specially for the exhibit.

“SEN students inspired my recent art pieces, as their creative style is more brave and direct, which is what I lack,” Miki says.

Cherry Chan, from HASS Lab, says that although teachers may think SEN students don’t follow the rules, they have a unique perspective on art that helps them stand out. “From an art perspective, we find their energy outstanding,” says Cherry. “These students have very good energy, creativity and observation.”

“Everybody Studio” runs until August 30 at 82-84 Apliu Street.

Five things to know about

1. Street art is artwork that is made in public, in the street. Sometimes it is as big as a mural covering a whole wall. Sometimes it is smaller.

2. Street artists want their work to be seen by many people, so the street is the best place.

3. Many artists are inspired by the energy of busy streets and other public spaces, because so much is happening there.

4. Some street artists have become famous. A man called “Banksy” has made many popular pieces of street art across Britain, but nobody knows who he really is!

5. Another anonymous artist called “Space Invader” has made little mosaic artworks on buildings in Hong Kong and around the world.