Artlane 藝里坊

Hong Kong has been perceived as a compact concrete jungle with modern skyscrapers. The number of characterised architecture increases along with its importance as a leading international financial centre. Rivalling to major metropolitan with flourishing cultural activities, street art emerged silently in Hong Kong.

Henderson Land has launched ‘ARTLANE’, a unique urban art project with fabulous mural paintings in the last quarter of 2018. The clusters of mural art dot Chung Ching Street, Ki Ling Lane, and Shek Chan Lane in Sai Ying Pun. Referencing street art in New York, London and Seoul, Henderson Land has invited 9 famous local and international artists to participate in the ‘ARTLANE’ project. Based on a theme of ‘Art and Music of SOHO’, the tailored made murals on the walls of various buildings in the area have made the area a unique mural neighbourhood and inspired more buildings to follow suit. More new mural paintings pop up a year later after the first visit.

Artlane Map - Hongkongmadame

To have a great experience of the new face of Sai Ying Pun, one can start from the MTR exit B3. Once getting out to the street, a colourful mural of Urban Jungle by Neil Wang awaits you at the junction of Des Voeux Road West and Ki Ling Lane.

Next mural painting(s) is by a Finnish artist, Riitta Kuisma: Transformation. It shows the urban development process.  On the floor is a 3D painting: MTR moving from the underground to the street level. The two walls show Transformation 1 and II.

Moving further towards Queen's Road West is the kaleidoscopic Mural Tunnel by Pantone C., featuring music and dance motifs.

Now, turn around, you will see a gigantic little girl watering plants. This mural covers two floors and is from a local artist, Zue Chan.

You will not miss the rainbow staircase next to the little girl. This work is by Blessy Man and Henry Lau.

From the same duet artists, "Animal Town" next is based on the concept of Soho in London. Animals play musical instruments with bright colors. The pattern is mainly composed of triangles.

Opposite is Joy of Music and Art by Noble Wong. I felt I was listening to live Jazz music and watching a vivid dance performance by the three women.

Then take the next street, Chung Ching Street. Upfront are two walls with mural paintings depicting the town of Vienna by Zue Chan. Romantic scenes and vivid shops bring imagination of strolling along the streets in Vienna.

Step down the staircase and turn around is a big portrait of Bruce Lee. It's new. It did not exist in 2018. I found it at my second visit in early 2020.

Another new find is a house painted in vivid yellow and blue. I don't have any information about it. Only a small label shows deeeeeep rao. It is eye catching!

Last but not the least, it comes to my favourite mural painting in the area: Classic Hollywood Icons (Marilyn Monroe and Shirley Temple) painted by Elsa Jeandedieu.

Besides the beautiful Hollywood icons, I like a phrase written on the wall: 'Life is a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.'