11/29/10 – A wall painting is commonly identified as any piece of artwork painted directly on a wall, ceiling or other large permanent surface. Wall paintings are usually influenced by the artists’ character and artistic expression. In the Middle Ages, when Roman Catholicism ruled the country, wall paintings with strong Catholic themes were drawn. Similarly, Hongdae’s streets, where many youths come together, showcase walls of art, visible expressions of youthful spirits.
Around Hongdae freemarket, also called ‘Hongdae playground,’ are wall paintings seen in alleys. Students from Hongdae Art University present a street art exhibit every fall since 1993. The work of these artists brought about this unique wall painting road.
“Hongdae wall painting road” is a movement against the authoritative drawings. Its purpose is to have a place of cultural exchange so that everyone can easily enjoy and come in touch with these unique exhibits. As art is created spontaneously by youth, visitors can feel the energy and soul of Korean youth culture.
There are even drawings on some of the higher walls and on street lights along the road. Finding hidden wall paintings can be entertaining. “Hongdae road” is like a gigantic canvas filled of artistic youth creativity. Every painting carries its own meaning. The work is not extraordinary, yet each one is unique.
“I think Hongdae is the very place [to be] when it comes to youth culture. The clubs, hip-hop, b-boy, cafes, tattoos, and most of all, a creative graffiti wall painting like this shows me that this is the right place to look for youth culture. I feel young when I am here,” said Ms. Park, a passerby who was gazing at a giant that seemed to be locked up inside the wall.
Rapping, DJ-ing, tattoos, street music, and graffiti used to be called “subculture” and those who were a part of this were treated contemptuously. But there seems to be a slow turn towards recognizing this “subculture” as a genre of art.
