Englishman fashions new ideas in Beijing street arts
27/12/2007 17:48
Printing an old two yuan metro ticket, as well as ancient items such as an
iconic iron vacuum flask or a taxi receipt, on T-shirts may seem strange to
local people, but for a young Englishman living in Beijing, he has become fairly
popular doing just that.
At his store selling original T-shirts called
Plastered Eight among some non-descript, low-rise dwellings in South Luogu Lane,
Dominic Johnson-Hill, whose Chinese name is Jiang Senhai, is self-proclaimed
"creative dictator". In his view, the unique point of his T-shirts are that the
images printed on them depict "Beijing from a foreigner's eyes".
Johnson-Hill
is not serious about formal design theories. Neither is he restricted by
traditional thoughts. He liked to catch those images that locals took for
granted, relying on inspiration that flashes across his mind.
Living in
Beijing for 14 years, the London native can speak fluent Chinese, although he
knew little about the written characters. "I left Britain when I was 17. It is
almost as long as the time I stayed in Beijing by now."
"When I got in
Beijing in 1993, I couldn't speak any Chinese and had no time to look around the
hutongs (alleys). All I could see was the Soviet-style buildings in the suburbs,
so I did not feel much beauty in this city."
Then, through contacts with
locals, he gradually fell in love with this "energetic" city. "The roads are
wide and straight, and people are candid and easygoing. I love to chat with
them. In my mind, Beijing is just like a big art museum, and there are creative
ideas everywhere."
He started to design his own T-shirts two years ago with
an idea of capturing something familiar.
"I was afraid of selling them then,
because I put my heart on the T-shirts and worried that no one would accept
them," he said. "But now, most of the customers are local young people. Although
80 yuan (10.89 U.S dollars) for a T-shirt is still a little bit high for them,
as long as they think the idea is good they will take it without caring about
whether is an unknown brand.
"My T-shirts are Beijing-born street culture,
and people here give me confidence and a self-identify," he said
Johnson-Hill
thought that hutongs were the soul of old Beijing, and creative ideas were the
characteristics of the developing modern city. Combining the two has been the
cultural symbol of South Luogu Lane.
Acting on his proposal, the antique
alley held its first Creative Market this past August. At the market, people
could find things that they thought were interesting, such as traditional
handicrafts, original cartoons, personal-style clothing and pop music. Many
people also used the street as a stage.
"Bands came to perform on their own
accord, and played for nothing," Johnson-Hill said. "One boy suddenly jumped
onto the road and began singing and playing guitar. I love this kind of
feeling."
Although the local management officials of the street were not
pleased with some of the impromptu performances, the local residents expressed
their understanding and support for the market. "It wouldn't be a festival
without the wonderful performances," Johnson-Hill said.
"This Creative Market
was very successful, and I hope we can keep it on. Many children here, growing
up in a world of Disney and McDonald's, would now find a new interesting place
in Beijing."
In his eyes, the upcoming Olympic Games will be like a big
party, and people all over the world will be here to share a happy time
together. However, the Briton was looking far beyond that. "After the Olympic
Games, life will continue. I will also go on to find new ideas of
Beijing."
As his T-shirt business increased steadily, Johnson-Hill and his
Canadian wife wanted to do their best to give back to the society.
"About
five percent of the store's profits is put aside to help needy children," he
said, pointing at a glass donation box on the store's counter. "That is for a
small charity performing for sick children. I will be dressed like Santa Claus
for the kids in Beijing Children's Hospital."
Xinhua
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