Read at 3 different speeds

Cox a-doodle-do - 15th December 2023

A Hong Kong MTR station's been doodled over with 'graffiti spaghetti'. The hypnotic style, developed by British artist Sam Cox and his alter ego Mr Doodle, features quirky doodles of googly eyed aliens chronicling the odysseys of Mr Doodle in Doodleland.

Donning a suit in his signature style, Cox embodies the character of Mr Doodle.

Sam Cox: "And it's just very fun and surreal and kind of eccentric. And that's really the inspiration behind kind of becoming like Mr Doodle, and wearing the Doodle outfit and trying to embody the character as much as possible, really."

Unlike most artists who seek the seclusion of a studio to envelope themselves in their creative process and exhibit their masterpieces in minimalist galleries, Cox favours creating his art as part of a public and inclusive performance. Collaborating with 10 children before a live audience at the station, Cox graffitied a spacecraft intended to transport Mr Doodle on a galactic mission. While some kids doodled, imitating his graffiti spaghetti method, others brought their own ideas to the process.

Having a live audience both fuels Cox's creativity and engenders greater public appreciation for his art.

Sam Cox: "I really, I really enjoyed doing the live performances in front of people because I love to be able to give people an insight into the process of how it is to create one of my pieces. And I love sharing that with people."

The appeal of Cox's work across borders and generations has seen his smaller artworks commanding prices anywhere between $13,000 and $500,000. Hong Kong gallerist Pearl Lam attributes this success to the jolly, playful nature of Cox's work.

Pearl Lam: "I think in this very modern commercial world, you need some relaxation, you need some joy and, joy and happiness. And that's what Mr Doodle give and also is engaging younger generation. So, his work speaks to all different nationalities. And it gives them such joy and some happiness."

As Mr Doodle embarks on his journey home, the graffiti spaghetti mural created at this Hong Kong MTR station records Mr Doodle's epic space odyssey.

Sam Cox: "And then eventually, they reach back to Doodleland and have this kind of battle. So, it's really the journey through space is, is what the exhibition is all about."