LOCAL

Mural musings

Sai Kung street artist Alex Croft speaks to Katrina Lau about his new mural on Sha Tsui Path

Popular liquor store Winerack has collaborated with Sai Kung based street artist, Alex Croft on a unique mural of the town outside of its new flagship store on Sha Tsui Path. The collaboration between Croft and the wine shop was designed to capture their mutual love for Sai Kung.

Well-known for his iconic mural outside Goods Of Desire’s store on Graham’s Street inspired by the old Kowloon Walled City, Croft’s layered buildings and geometric patterns have become a signature style. “It’s a style I’ve developed over time, layering patterns and colour blocks”, says Croft.

Croft moved to Hong Kong from Bahrain at the age of 12 and has always been impressed with the unique architecture around the city. After testing the waters with graffiti art during his teenage years, Croft headed off to Kingston University to study Fine Art and Photography. Upon his return to the city, he was commissioned for jobs here and there and has built up a collection of iconic murals across Hong Kong. His work can be seen around Sai Kung, including Man Ning Street and outside Anthony’s Ranch.

The new mural, which has been named 10 Degrees, after the angle Croft used to design each element, features an auburn toned sun set against the town on the left and traditional fishing boats and sampans on Sai Kung’s waterfront on the right. “I had been planning on doing buildings that are a bit more local to the area for a while,” says Croft. “I think the most iconic part of Sai Kung is the waterfront and the harbour. It holds the history of Sai Kung, shows the culture of the locals and it’s where everyone meets.”

Winerack founders Andreas and Marrian Konrad are big fans of the mural, stating “what makes Sai Kung so special is its community. Collaborating with a local artist was important to us and the reception this piece has already received both from passers-by and online has been incredible.”

Since it appeared in December last year, the mural has become a popular Instagram spot and even warranted a competition for the best social media post featuring the new mural. To enter the giveaway, share a picture of the mural on Facebook or Instagram and tag @alexcroftart and @winerackstores for a chance to win a $500 Winerack voucher.