Beijing Underground: 798 Street Art
posted on Aug 12, 2008With the Olympics and China’s propaganda machine in full force, getting an alternative view of China these days is about as easy as ordering dumplings in Beijing without an English menu. From spectacular (CGI) fireworks to amazing (lip-synched) singing at the opening ceremonies, Beijing is going all out to ensure that the public, both foreign and National, see exactly what it wants it to see. But despite all of the government’s efforts to paint the country as a unified, prosperous nation ready to match the West, the reality on the ground is much more complex. With freedom of expression is limited, creativity erupts in odd places such as the Government tolerated 798: an old Maoist-era factory district converted into a series of art galleries on the outskirts of Beijing. While the galleries feature fantastic material and are easily worth a visit, equally impressive is the graffiti and street art decorating the outside of the dilapidated hangers. In country with little tolerance for public expression, 798’s walls are an oasis of color and free-thought, putting forth a variety of ideas quasi-invisible to the mainstream public. From national icons such as Bruce Lee and Yao Ming to fiery caricatures of Red Army soldiers and headless Mao’s to a puzzling tribute to Biggie Smalls; the streets of 798 express nuance, style and an surprising eclecticism and offer (in my view) a much truer account of China than any overblown attempt to impress the world. Showing the good, the bad and the ugly, 798 is China uncensored.
These pictures were taken by Ohword contributor Sach on his recent trip to Beijing.
Hell of a capture. Let’s hear it for cameras.
— sankofa Aug 12, 05:44 PM
love the “yo! mtv raps” trading card style!
— maren Aug 13, 11:52 AM
hip hop is universal…i guess rebeliion is more universal
— Damian Aug 13, 03:56 PM
Ni Hao
— Jay B Aug 14, 02:08 AM