A SpecTAKAlar Mural

By Ella and Edward Wong

For years the walls outside the MTR entrance have proudly showcased artwork created by former Year 9s, as well as a mural that bid everyone who exited the gates. But this year, from February 13 onwards, a sprawling mural collaboration between Taka – a Japanese artist currently based in Hong Kong – and our school’s art scholars graces our entrance walls. After the reveal, we’re sure we can all agree that it looks spectacular. Or should we say specTAKAlar? 

Taka is the artist behind the school entrance’s revamp. His wide range of amazing works of art include an AR street art to raise awareness about endangered rhinos and a collaboration with the NBA to paint a basketball court in Tsing Yi.

Impressive! But why did we make the decision to change the RCHK entrance?

Andrew Deakin, Head of the Visual Arts department, provided some explanation. 

“There are a number of reasons why we decided to change the artwork at the MTR entrance,” Mr. Deakin said. “Previously, Year 9 portraits were exhibited on the stairwell walls, some of which were more than five years old. Due to Hong Kong' humid climate, artwork – either paper or canvas – can often become water damaged and mouldy within a short [period] of time. Therefore we wanted to find a solution which reduced damage, yet maintained and showcased creativity at RC.” 

Deakin also explained why he chose Taka for the job: “I came across a huge mural Taka completed on the side of a local school in Cheung Chau. I was very impressed by the scale, level of detail and more importantly how Taka was able to capture the vibe of the local environment. During my first interaction with him, I was not only overwhelmed with his portfolio of work but also his vision and values as an artist. 

“The mural, I hope, will have an immediate impact on visitors to RC, through the vibrant colour palette as well as the imagery reflecting the local environment and of course the iconic Black Kite symbol. I hope that RC students become inspired by the scale and level of creativity and want to pursue a deeper interest in Visual Arts.” 

Mr. Deakin also added that the mural has actually been a work in progress for around two years! He stated: “The design was created in collaboration with the VA [Visual Art] Scholars approximately two years ago. With the recent Covid restrictions changing, VA Scholars have been able to work alongside Taka in creating the mural.” 

So what do students think of this new mural?

An anonymous Year 7 student commented that they thought “the mural progress is going really fast, considering that I only saw it for one week […] sometimes there’s a smell when you walk down the stairs. The mural looks really cool and the fact that it wraps around the three walls makes it even more cool. It looks really realistic.” The student’s only question was, “I just wonder what’s going to happen to it after ten years or so?”

Another Year 7 student agreed that the progression of painting the mural went by very fast, “I saw it from the very beginning, from the sketch [on the walls]. At first I thought that it would take months to finish the mural, but the next day I was amazed as I saw the sketch finished and was already having some of the colours painted on.” They also said that they thought the smell of the paint was “horrible” but they really liked how the colours seem to represent the four houses. 

Ema Poposka, a Year 10 student, also commented:  “It’s nice to have art around the school and every day when school ends, I always looked up at the mural to see the progress. And it looks good!”

With the mural finished over the course of a week, the walls are looking fantastic. From the flowers in full bloom, to the black kite swooping in a shower of water, the art brings life to the once plain walls.

We asked Taka himself about his thoughts on the artwork and why he chose to help RCHK redecorate an entrance: 

Q: What inspired the mural here? 

A: After I had a meeting with Mr Deakin for the first time, I spent hours walking around and taking pictures. The first thing I noticed around the school was the beautiful nature, especially the nearby ocean, so I wanted to incorporate water and nature elements in this piece. 

Q: What material(s) did you use? 

A: I only used spray paint for painting the wall. 

Q: How do you think the mural connects to the school? 

A: I am sure that many students saw me painting the big wall with spray painting. Normally when people think about art, they probably think of canvas and brushes etc first, but I think showing students the possibility of different ways to achieve something is good for them. I am not only talking about art, this philosophy can be applied to everything. 

Q: What do you aim to achieve through your art? 

A: To be honest, I am not sure. I have been doing what I like to do and only focusing on creating something that I am happy with. 

Q: If you could sum up your experience at RCHK in one word, what word would you choose? 

A: Inspired. I am hardly inspired by grown-up adults but I was inspired after seeing some students’ drawings, because they drew things that grown-ups could never imagine. 

Q: What are your favourite things to draw? 

A: I like to draw things related to nature in general because it reflects my personality more. But more than what I draw and how good it looks, I always care and try to put emotion into it.  To me, good art is if I am moved by looking at the piece or not. 

Q: Any advice for aspiring artists? 

A: First of all, it is your life. If you are passionate enough to pursue your dream to be an artist and if that's what you want to do in your life, keep doing what you have been doing and what you believe. If you don't give up, there are always chances. 

Q: Do you like tacos?

A: Haha yeah I do eat tacos from time to time, I like Mexican food in general. I love guacamole too! 

Thank you very much Taka, for the beautiful and inspirational art! This vibrant mural will welcome us back to school for years to come.