Not only inside galleries.

Date: 1st Feb 2013

Venue: Mong Kok

Artists: Unknown

You cannot find them in the grand, spectacular galleries, instead of under the overhead walkway.

You do not have to pay for entrance fee, instead of freely walk by.

GRAFFITI always amazes me. Not only that I can find them everywhere along the street, it is the creativity that the street artists have. The graffitis are similar to other art pieces that show the emotions of artists or convey messages to the participants. What makes them unique is that the message behind the graffiti. Outside Hong Kong, for examples, South America and the Middle East, radical and political purposes are aften the main goals of the street artists. They show their desires of the public and fight for human rights.

A cartoon which used the style of throw-up on the floor.

Graffiti is writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place. Artists use simple lines or shapes to compose a picture in order to express their feelings, as well as to catch the public's attention. 

The style of most of the artists used is 'throw-up', also known as a 'bombing' which is normally painted very quickly with two or three colours, sacrificing aesthetics for speed. It can also be outlined on a surface with one colour. For example, the picture on the right, the artist used only black and red, and outlined with white colour for the body of the character.

This mysterious journey was really a blast. As a girl who knows nothing about street arts, had so much feelings after seeing all those pictures. To be frank, I was upset by the many obstacles the government has put to obstruct the development of street arts. People always think that people who paint graffiti are bad gangster who hang around at the street all day and do not have a job. Yet, it is not the truth. I was amazed by the talents of street artists who can create such a stunning and remarkable art pieces with limited resources. They start from zero. They really are the creators. From my own opinion, the government is now giving them so little resources that limited their talents. The government, as well as the general public, should have a more open mind, to accept different kinds of arts in our society. More resources can be provided for them to chase their dream.

As I just went there for a visit, we could not have a chance to deeply interview and talk to the artists. Also, I could not dig for the reasons behind of their paintings. If I have a chance, I will definitely talk to them and find out more about their stories of the art pieces and their own.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graffiti