Beijing's Street Art

Here is a link to more graffiti from Hong Kong as promised. Graffiti scene is also alive and well in the mainland. You might be surprised to know that while graffiti is illegal in most of the west, Beijing has a special zone, called Beijing’s 798 art zone, where graffiti can be painted legally. So much for the authoritarianism of the communist regime.

Graffiti was an important part of Mao’s communist revolution, with the propaganda posters of communist government like a form of sanctioned graffiti. Though there is some anti-establishment feeling amongst China’s sprayers, for the most part, there art is more a social commentary about China’s rapid development and their place (or lack of place) in this new society.

“Chinese artists are more likely to play cat and mouse with the government, and do it carefully.”

Get the full BBC photo essay and report on Beijing graffiti artists here.