A little girl stands between two graffiti paintings created by French artist Julien Seth Malland and Shanghai artist Shi Zheng. Photo: IC

Two artists, one foreign and one Chinese, recently used graffiti to transform demolished buildings in Shanghai into unique works of public art.

Well-known French artist Julien Seth Malland and Chinese artist Shi Zheng created more than a dozens graffiti artworks, with large crowds of citizens coming to visit the sites, and strong interest in the works online.

However, the two artists' graffiti disappeared virtually overnight, after local authorities completely took down all the paintings on the walls.

Shanghai authorities explained that they had removed the artworks for "safety reasons," since they were painted on the sides of ruined buildings that could put viewers at risk. The local government decision prompted an impassioned public discussion as to whether the government should have acted so precipitously, with scholars, experts, and citizens all taking part. Some local scholars suggested that the government should be more inclusive and tolerant of graffiti, since graffiti, as an art form accessible to the average person, provides them with a visual language, and creates memorable sights for passersby to take with them.

Some citizens voiced their support for the government's prohibition, saying the ruins are a dangerous place for children to visit. But other experts suggested that in a metropolitan city such as Shanghai, the government could allow an open space for graffiti artists to put their talents to good use, and serve as a form of collective memory for the city itself.

Global Times

Local residents hang preserved meat against the backdrop of the paintings. Photo: IC

 

A classical poem reads, "No prairie fire can destroy the grass, it shoots up again with the spring breeze" next to the characters for "demolish." Photo: IC

 

A combination of pictures shows the piece "Sleeping girl" before (above)and after (below) demolition. The poem on the wall reads, "As the wind and rain sound overnight, I wonder how many blossoms alight." Photo: IC

A little girl looks at another "Little girl on a wall" before it is painted over. Photo: IC

 

A painting stands among the rubble. Photo: IC