Have you ever explored your neighbourhood? One university student has done just that, and she turned her journey into a special painting.
Lam Suet-ying, 22, wanted to celebrate Hong Kong's small shops that are often ignored. She studied every street in the Yau Tsim Mong district to create her own artwork "Journey to Yau Ma Tei". Her painting shows 54 spots in the areas of Jordan, Yau Ma Tei and West Kowloon.
"I hope people can pay more attention to the old shops that are often overlooked," she said.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Lam's artwork uses cartoons to represent the neighbourhood. For example, the artist drew a knight in armour to show a cutlery store's "hard-working spirit".
She also drew the Chinese military general, Guan Yu, holding a sword to fight a cockcroach. This scene represents two shops: a pesticide store and a shop with wooden statues of Chinese gods.
"When I was young, the storefronts of these two shops often scared me ... Now, I find them visually stunning," Lam shared.
Memories of Yau Tsim Mong
Lam has lived in Jordan for most of her life. But this project showed her how the area has changed.
Her painting shows some spots that have already disappeared. One example is the Yau Ma Tei Car Park Building. Before it was destroyed, it was famous for having a road that through its "belly".
"It really is a shame that many of these traditional shops are disappearing," Lam said.
"I hope when people look at my painting, it inspires them to observe the community."
Think about it
- What is shown in Lam's painting, "Journey to Yau Ma Tei"?
- Why did Lam want to make this painting?
