Monopoly Artist Gambles in Hong Kong’s Graffiti Scene

Have you spotted Rich Uncle Pennybags climbing the walls of our city? The anonymous street artist who paints the familiar character is about to take Hong Kong’s gallery-scene on a run for its money with his new Solo Exhibition next month. We catch up with the mystery man, known only as Alec Monopoly.

Contributed by: Alec MonopoplyI visited Hong Kong for the first time last year and immediately fell in love. Sitting up in my hotel room looking down at the emerald green bay and the towering buildings is really inspirational. The city has amazing energy, it almost reminds me of a tropical version of NYC. I also love that it's easy as a Westerner to get around and communicate, unlike other cities in Asia. There's also a TON of wall space for graffiti!

[caption id="attachment_24818" align="alignright" width="150"] Photo courtesy of James Mackel.[/caption]

Hong Kong to me is a bustling, international economic hub, it's a central and important place for business, so I think that my imagery and art will relate and resonate with the Hong Kong culture and way of life. I started out using The Monopoly Man right around the time of the 2008 Financial Crisis. At first the imagery signified corporate greed and capitalism, but as time went on I realised that the imagery equally signifies success, ambition, and that human drive towards accomplishment.

[caption id="attachment_24817" align="alignleft" width="200"] Photo courtesy of James Mackel.[/caption]

I think that the street art scene is young in Hong Kong, but it seems that a lot more people are paying attention to street art, which is exciting. I also think the art scene in general is exploding in Hong Kong and I'm honoured to have what will hopefully be the first of many exhibitions here. I will be incorporating several of my favourite iconic characters, including Monopoly Man, Richie Rich, and Scrooge into my Solo Exhibition in Hong Kong. I also have several surprises I've been working on that are specific to my experiences and some of the places I saw while visiting in Hong Kong I can't wait to unveil! Unravel the mysteries of the Monopoly Man at Above Second from March 13 to April 18.

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