A mosaic of Hong Kong Phooey, created in Hong Kong by internationally-renowned street artist ‘Invader’ and subsequently destroyed by the government, is set to go under the hammer a Sotheby’s.
The piece, named “Alias HK_58”, has been recreated on a glass panel and is expected to fetch between HKD1 million and HKD1.5 million at the auction house’s contemporary art sale next month.
The Bruce Lee styling of the hero of the 1970s American cartoon series ‘Hong Kong Phooey’ appeared in Happy Valley earlier this year as one of dozens of works fashioned by the famous French street artist, whose mosaic style is inspired by the retro arcade game Space Invaders.
There was, however, public outcry when Hong Kong’s Highways Department removed nearly all the iconic pieces on “safety grounds”. Invader himself released a statement saying he was “very saddened” by the move, which was unprecedented across the more than 60 cities he had previously “invaded”.
Alias HK_58 and other works will be displayed at Sotheby’s Admiralty gallery (5/F, 1 Pacific Place 88 Queensway) from Jan. 15 to 20, with the auction being held on Jan. 20.
Perhaps the government will come to its senses and buy this awesome piece of Hong Kong history back. Doubtful though, they’re clearly idiots.
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