August 9, 2023
3 mins read

Chinese political slogans in London’s Graffiti area sparks row

In an interview with VOA Cantonese, Australia-based Chinese political cartoonist Badiucao called the graffiti “a crude piece of work.”…reports Asian Lite News

London’s Brick Lane, famed for its street art, appears to be the scene of the latest face-off between pro-democracy supporters and Chinese loyal to President Xi Jinping’s rule, Voice of America (VOA) reported.

Early on Saturday, people whitewashed a section of the street art wall, then spray painted a set of 12 two-character words in Chinese. The words included “Democracy, Civility, Freedom, Equality, Justice and The Rule of Law.

Over the weekend, big red Chinese characters painted on a white background, extolled “core socialist values,” sentiments first expressed by Xi’s predecessor, Hu Jintao, and embraced by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), VOA reported.

Most of the slogans have since been covered by anti-CCP sentiments, and a Chinese student who led the sloganeers claimed to have received death threats.

As the slogans attracted negative comments online, people went to Brick Lane to paint comments critical of Beijing such as ‘Free Uighurs’ and ‘Free Tibet’. There were references to the bloody Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989, VOA reported.

The whitewashed area of slogans covered a tribute to a popular street artist, Marty, painted by his fellow artist and friend, Benzi Brofman.

On Instagram, Brofman said painting over works like his was part of the street art culture.

Brofman told VOA Cantonese on Sunday that he was focused on creating new artwork and that Monday was also his birthday; thus, he would “prefer not to waste my time and energy on this issue.”

“My mind is set on my future art projects that will, hopefully, bring joy and comfort to people,” he said.

In an interview with VOA Cantonese, Australia-based Chinese political cartoonist Badiucao called the graffiti “a crude piece of work.”

Regardless of whether the sloganeer was trying to be patriotic or satirical, said Badiucao, the real cost was not borne by them, but by the local street artists who have put in weeks or even months of effort for their work, VOA reported.

“Some may ask, isn’t graffiti about free expression? Aren’t all artworks eventually covered by new ones? Yes, indeed, street art is like a carousel, but street artists don’t cover other artworks randomly,” he said.

“Often, we choose to cover old works or ones that have been tagged as heavily damaged. For new works, especially those with commemorative significance, artists tend to choose to show respect,” he added.

“Perhaps in the eyes of many, this act has caused a thousand waves and is, therefore, a success,” said Badiucao.

Wang Hanzheng, a Royal College of Art student who signs his art with the name Yi Que, made the pro-Chinese graffiti, VOA reported.

Giving almost everyone what they wanted, Yi Que gained massive fame through the spectacle, ‘little pinks’ patriots got the pride of their slogans being seen in the heart of London, and dissenters got evidence exposing the Chinese Communist Party’s threat to freedom of speech, the report stated.

“However, after the carnival of chaos, it’s the local artists who are forced to pay the price. They have involuntarily borne the cost of this publicity stunt,” Badiucao said. (ANI)

ALSO READ-India ahead of China in battle for railways in Nepal

Previous Story

750 Indian-origin women take part in ‘Saree Walkathon’  

Next Story

UK announces deal with Turkey to tackle flow of illegal migrants

Latest from -Top News

Trump eyes Egypt trip

Trump eyes Egypt trip for Gaza ceasefire signing as deal paves way for hostage release…reports Asian Lite News President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he intends to travel to Egypt for

200 US troops to monitor Gaza ceasefire deal

The US coordination center will be staffed by service members who have expertise in transportation, planning, security, logistics and engineering…reports Asian Lite News The United States is sending about 200 troops to

Federal bodies align for inclusive growth

The UAE Gender Balance Council reviews strategic initiatives across federal entities, strengthening policies, advancing inclusion, and reinforcing the nation’s leadership in equality, diversity, and sustainable development….reports Asian Lite News The UAE Gender

SIBF to host 2,350 exhibitors Nov 5-16

The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair unites publishers, authors, and intellectuals from 118 countries, celebrating literature, workshops, cultural exchange, and Greece as Guest of Honour….reports Asian Lite News The 44th Sharjah International
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Concerned China opposes violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that Beijing opposes moves

Lula visits China, seeking ties and Ukraine support

China and Brazil are expected to sign at least 20