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In a different version of Hong Kong, old shops never close, and neon signs are never taken down. This world was made by Tommy, an artist known as Tommychief Oil. His drawings bring back places that have disappeared from Hong Kong over the years.
“Sometimes, I just want to recreate those scenes. Other times, I imagine: what if a certain building had survived until today? What would the street look like?” said Tommy, who is in his 20s and wants to use only his given name.
Since 2023, he has been creating art about Hong Kong’s buildings and bookshops. He often draws the city in a futuristic, but run-down way.
“Perhaps an apocalyptic scenario would actually make people cherish old buildings more – and preserve them longer,” the artist said.
In one piece, Tommy illustrates a version of the Tai Hang neighbourhood that still has the Kwai River Bridge.
This bridge was destroyed in 2011. But it was once a crossing point over a stream that flowed between Jardine’s Lookout and Mount Butler.
How Tommy creates art
After graduating from a university in the UK, Tommy began his career as an interior designer in Hong Kong. But two years ago, he decided to pursue illustration full-time.
“When I was a kid, I actually loved drawing,” he said. “But growing up in an Asian family, I ended up choosing a more practical, career-focused path.”
Because of his background in interior design, Tommy is especially interested in Hong Kong’s buildings. He often gets inspiration from old photos of the city.
The artist’s works often blur the lines between what is real and what is imagined.
“In the artwork, you might see scenes that resemble the real Hong Kong, sometimes an older version of it, but there are also fantasy elements,” Tommy said.
In this world, humans live peacefully with animals. He always includes a character that represents himself. Dressed in armour, the figure travels through each version of the city.
Sparrows are helping people learn about a Hong Kong neighbourhood
A series on bookshops
Tommy’s latest works focus on Hong Kong’s independent bookstores. His art also explores the culture of each shop’s surroundings.
“My hope is that when people look at the artwork, they immediately feel the style and spirit of that neighbourhood,” he said.
So far, he has illustrated more than a dozen local bookshops, including Book Punch, Hunter Bookstore and Boundary Bookstore.
One of the series’ works is about Knock Knock Bookstore in Sai Wan. The shop mainly sells philosophy books, but it will close in June.
In this piece, the characters hold books as they board a ship that is about to set sail.
Tommy was inspired by The Truman Show, an American film that is often discussed in philosophy books. It is about a man who discovers his life is a set for a reality TV show.
“There’s this powerful moment when he decides to leave and sails to the edge of what he thinks is the ocean, only to hit a wall. He finds a staircase and a door that lets him escape into the unknown,” he said.
He believes this scene asks a question that applies to Knock Knock Bookstore and his audience: “Would you be willing to leave the comfort of what you know to face the unknown?”
To test your understanding of this story, download our printable worksheet or answer the questions in the quiz below.
