Like all art, the urban variety is very subjective, meaning what one man deems worthy, another may see as merely vandalism. It’s also true that while some parts of Tokyo have a good deal of the latter, there’s a growing amount that warrants the tag — pun very much intended — of art.
Some of it is political, some slightly thought provoking, although this piece was simply a pleasure to see.
Martin says
Interesting character. It looks like someone took some time to paint it. Brightens up a drab building.
Lee says
Totally agree. Just getting up there must have been quite an effort. But the art work itself is well thought out and very well executed. Brought a smile to my face too.
winnie says
This is so cute!!
Thumb up to this picture! 🙂
Lee says
And double thumbs up to the artist!
Willy says
Art Japan strikes again! Whats going on with the anchor? one can only wonder…
Lee says
Your guess is as good as mine there…
A Former Expat says
If that was a photo of a similar building in the U.S., I’d say the building housed a prison, but here, I guess its an apartment building.
Lee says
Certainly has that look, doesn’t it? Actually it’s an abandoned love hotel hotel. One that unfortunately was very well sealed up…
A Former Expat says
Interesting that the building stands abandoned. I would think given the scarcity of land, particularly in Tokyo, the site would be purchased, razed and something else built on the site. Or is the economy still that bad?
Lee says
It’s a rare sight, particularly a building so big. Even more so in a place like Shinjuku. But why it hasn’t been demolished and a new and shiny building put in its place, I don’t know. Things aren’t quite that bad. At least not yet.
Ed says
Banksy was here.
Lee says
Be extra nice if it was a Banksy.
Nikko says
This is a figure of greek artist b. We’ve filmed him on 2010 drawing one of these girls, on a wall of an abandoned building downtown Athens. It starts at 2 min of the video. The interview is in greek though. http://www.doctv.gr/page.aspx?itemID=SPG171
Lee says
Thanks!
Great to finally know who the artist is. And to see him in action.
Not being a Greek speaker, any info about the meaning/significance of the figure?
I also have another photograph of his work here