Doodling Hong Kong - 15th December 2023

'Graffiti spaghetti ' ran rampant in a transport hub in Hong Kong. The style, created by British artist Sam Cox, features a series of interlocking patterns and whimsical characters depicting the adventures of Mr Doodle in Doodleland.

Assuming the role of Mr Doodle, Cox dresses up - getting into the character.

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."

Whereas some artists may prefer to work in the privacy of their own studio and exhibit in pristine white galleries, Cox opts to create in public in collaboration with his audience.

At the MTR station, 10 children joined in with Mr Doodle to graffiti the spacecraft that would take him on his adventures in space. Some of the children chose to imitate Mr Doodle's graffiti spaghetti style whilst others chose their own approach.

Cox appreciates collaboration in his creative process.

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."

Owing to their international and intergenerational appeal, the prices for smaller pieces of Cox's work range from $13,000 to $500,000. According to Hong Kong gallerist Pearl Lam, their appeal arises from the joyful nature within each 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."

And for Mr Doodle, having completed his journey through space via a Hong Kong MTR station, he's now back on his way to Doodleland.

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."