Finding art in unexpected places in HK - Shutter art in Sham Shui Po
Even after many years of living in Hong Kong, the city often surprises us with new things to discover and the stories behind them.
We’ve probably visited the district of Sham Shui Po hundreds of times to buy computer accessories (Yes, one of us is a geek!) but never imagined that this busy, chock-a-block place could be hiding some unique art in plain sight. If you care to visit Sham Shui Po early in the morning, you get a sense of the place without the crowds and also get an appreciation for the history of the businesses, the industries, and the people that make up this place - all through vibrant art on the closed shop front shutters!
Even though the shops were closed, we could easily guess what the shops were selling. It was very interesting to see how each artwork created was coveying an oral history of what the shop is about and some artwork also showcased the portraits of the founders of these stores.
Did you know, in the 1950s and '60s Sham Shui Po district was known as the ‘heart’ of the manufacturing and textile industry in Hong Kong and to this day, the district remains popular for designers and artisans.
In 2017, HK Urban Canvas, an art community launched this shutter art project with some local artists and to date has painted over 60 shopfronts shutters in 6 districts in Hong Kong.
Here is a short video of our walkthrough so you can see the route we followed.
Here is a list of shops, location and name of the artists …
Cho Kee
G/F, 1F Wong Chuk Street, Sham Shui Po
Artist - Smile Maker
In the late 1970s- 80s when the garment industry was flourishing in Hong Kong, Cho Kee shop did wholesale fabric trading. In recent times, as garment manufacturing started vanishing, they are now selling sewing accessories like buttons, zippers, leather, and laces.
The shutter art shows the second-generation shop owner, Mr. Leung inspecting his products.
Lun Wah Textiles Company
92,Ki Lung street
Artist : Wong Wing Fung
This company has been in the business of textile and garment industry for over 50 years in Hong Kong. They relocated from Central to Sham Shui Po in 1980s. They have a variety of products such as Velvets, Chiffon, Georgette, Satin, Taffeta, Bengaline, Nep Shantung that are mainly are imported from Korea and Japan.
The artwork shows high-quality lace and a roll of coloured fabric.
Wontonmeen
135 Lai Chi Kok Road, Mong Kok
Artist - Rainbo
Patricia Choi Pui-yee, owner of a youth hostel named Wontonmeen named it after a local comfort food - wonton noodles. Pat is a former interior designer, who turned an 11-storey family property into a creative hub in Sham Shui Po. It is an edgy hostel offering guests a time-capsule experience with Hong Kong elements from the 1970s and 80s – from woodturning craft to old cinema seats and neon signs.
The Rubik's cube artwork here represents the subdivided rooms in the hostel and jellyfish-like wontons are the tourists moving in and out at Wontonmen.
Kwok Hing Sewing Machine Company
103-107 Lai Chi Kok Road, Sham Shui Po
Artist - Smile Maker
This business was established in 1983, when the founder Mr. Ko Kwok Hing taught himself how to make sewing machine components. It is a Hong Kong-based business providing the best quality of services and sewing machine spare parts all over the World. Their spare parts mainly focus on heavy-duty for leathers, lingeries, jeans, shirts and leisurewear.
The artwork shows the founder Mr. Ko Kwok Hong carefully inspecting the sewing machine.
Sunrise Professional Photo Finishing
B2, 333 Lai Chi Kok Road
Artist - Hoichiu and students from Ning Po College
The shutter art shows both the current owners, Ms. Chiu and Mr. Lo along with 2 cats in the center that belongs to the shop next door but shows the amicable relationship they have with the neighbours. Look carefully you can also see each camera lens has a different picture inspired by neighbourhood scenes!
Getting Here
From Sham Shui Po MTR take exit C1 walk toward Apilu Street
You will find the shutter art on display around Apilu Street, Ki Ling Street, Wong Chuk Street, Ya Chau Street and Lai Chi Kok Road
Arrive early (ideally by 8:00 am) before the stores roll their shutters to capture this beautiful and unique artwork.
Reference
Reference -
Photo Gallery
