Monday, April 22, 2013

Long Live The King

in this post i will be talking about a current happeaning artist movement that in not Only China but also Japan. .a man named Tsang Tsou-choi  was known as  the "King of Kowloon"  and as the "Hong Kong Graffiti King" . He ,unlike those who use spray paint in political graffiti, used traditional black calligraphy paint and a traditional black brush for his pictures. He was known through out the world as the oldest graffiti artist of all time. He, through his art, told his story of his life and heritage to explain why he thought he was the king of Kowloon. He did his art on public surfaces and public places, which soon developed the Chinese government to treat him as a  unwanted nutcase. He gained most of his recognition from the incident of Star Ferry clock tower, a historic clock tower once due for a massive relocation. He stood up against the government plans for the tower and pointed out the many flaws of the government dealings with local heritage. This inspired artist and other citizens to protest it's relocation. 

Now, after his death, the citizens of hong kong fight to establish protection for his art work. The government views the art work of the King of Kowloon to be unimportant and not recognizable historic art. The citizens, on the other hand do, stating the fact that he is a political figure that has inspired young artist today. The government offers to only take pictures and some protective shields but much of his work is still exposed to vandalism and weathering. The government hopes to erase the legacy of him so that one would not be inspired to do something as he has done, but this effort is failing. The news of his legacy reached Japan, and soon merchandise was available with his art work on it, including bags, posters, and umbrellas  With his death arose people who wanted his legacy to live on and published book works and inspired graffiti to this day

In the government point of view heritage is not as important as continuing economical development and if it comes down to choosing between the two they will quickly over look it. others believe that preserving his art is important to the China's history. This is a non stopping topic of debate. In my opinion this was a case of peaceful vandalism. he did not make violent threats to the government nor was his work destructive in my opinion. he wanted to be herd his way on his terms, so that people could actually pay attention to him. For who would pay attention to a poor old man in the street about he was a king?