Graffiti Hong Kong Style

(Camera: Ricoh A12 28mm)

Among the many creative ways to put up an ad for free in Hong Kong, writing or stamping ads on the external walls of buildings is probably unique in Hong Kong. Interestingly, as if ruled by an unspoken agreement, these ads on the walls are invariably about plumbing, disinfestation and household appliances repair services. The most well known of them is the plumber's ad. An example is the one close to the right margin of the above image.  The two big Chinese characters say, "Clearing Blocked-Drains"

The plumber's ad is so ubiquitous that, if you know Chinese, you may have the impression that Hong Kong has tons of blocked drains. Does this make the plumber's ad famous?

Nope. It is because of one person, Stephen Chow.

An actor, screenwriter, film director and producer, Stephen has produced numerous blockbuster comedy movies which won him several movie awards and grossed great proceeds in Hong Kong, China and from most Chinese speaking communities.  It is he who gave birth to a special genre of acting called "mo lei tou" (or silly-billy). The comparable English equivalent may be Austin Powers. 
                (Stephen Chow>)

His movies have been so popular in China that students learn by rote the dialogue lines in some of them. The author has a Beijing friend who is now a professor in children's education. She once recited the lines to the author which lasted for over a minute.

So in one of his movies, a scene showing the plumber's ad somehow arouse the interest of the audience in China. With millions of millions of population, the plumber's ad attracted much attention and lots of discussions.

These graffiti kind of ads proliferate in old districts like Sheung Wan, Yau Ma Tei and Kwun Tong.  Take the MTR train to there.