[Extract …] Hong Kong is often presented to visitors as a city of contrasts—East and West, local and global. The official slogan, ‘‘Asia’s World City,’’ often paired with images of junk boats set serenely against harborfront skyscrapers, supports such oppositional formulations. The rapid growth of Asian cities in the past two decades has reinforced this condition regionally, as the old is effectively superseded by the often unfamiliar new. In Hong Kong, the oppositional model is being challenged by a new politicization of the spaces of global consumption: shopping malls. Hong Kong malls demonstrate in their design, their economics, and their occupation how unique local conditions can be formed within generic global systems.

Take these three images of a privately owned public space in a Hong Kong shopping mall called Times Square: in summer 2009 ‘‘Bloc Mickey 28 by Disney’’ showcased 50 international artists’ handpainted sculptures of Mickey Mouse in atrium and seven Mickey-themed sculptures in the plaza (Figure 1). According to the press release, ‘‘the artists’ graffiti artworks in the form of tires, containers and road blocks can be seen in every corner of the exhibition, creating a distinctive ambiance of urban art.’’1 Indigo Child, an exhibition by illustrator Carrie Chau featuring a series of original characters imagined by the Hong Kong native, appeared in the mall and in shopping bags in December, 2008 (Figure 2). As advertised in the Standard, ‘‘A limited edition Indigo Child 2009 calendar and Black Sheep soft toy are ready to go home with shoppers who spend HK$800 at any shops in Times Square or Food Forum.’’2 In summer of 2008, activists wearing shirts that spell out ‘‘this is public space’’ demonstrate to the consternation of mall security (Figure 3).

What appear to be three distinct activities—a global corporation branding public space, a local artist partnering with a retail group, and local political demonstration—are in fact manifestations of the same tension between power and resistance.

• 1. Alison Jenner, ‘‘Bloc 28 by Disney.’’ South China Morning Post, Going Out ⁄ G03 (accessed July 16, 2009).
• 2. Joyce Kam, ‘‘Mall Teasers: Times Square.’’ The Standard: Christmas (accessed December 10, 2008).