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Dingding hu

A Collaboration for Cultural Storytelling

In October 2017, illustrator and colour enthusiast Dingding Hu collaborated with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) to launch a distinctive street art project in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

Transforming Street Signs into Artworks

Hu created 45 vibrant artworks that were transformed into street signs and installed throughout Lower Manhattan, spanning areas from Canal Street to East Broadway. These signs went beyond traditional functions, narrating the stories of Chinatown’s residents.

Chinatown walk bold illustrations
Chinatown Walk bold illustrations

Expanding Chinatown’s Identity

The project sought to transcend the common perception of Chinatown as merely a culinary destination for Chinese and Southeast Asian delicacies. Instead, Hu’s bold, modern signage celebrated the neighbourhood’s vibrant cultural fabric.

Capturing the Spirit of Chinatown

The signs vividly illustrated Chinatown’s lively atmosphere, filled with music, games, spices, and the resilient spirit of its community. This initiative invited visitors to experience Chinatown as a dynamic cultural hub, not just a tourist attraction.

Chinatown walk illustrations
Chinatown walk illustrations

Integrating Art into Urban Spaces

Hu’s illustrations, characterized by vivid colour palettes and playful aesthetics, added vibrancy to the urban landscape. The project redefined how public spaces could engage the community and visitors by transforming everyday street signs into art.

A Broader Trend in Urban Design

This initiative reflects a broader movement in urban design that leverages art to enhance public spaces. The project fostered unity and variety by integrating cultural storytelling into the streetscape while celebrating Chinatown’s unique identity.

Fostering Community Engagement Through Design

The collaboration between Hu, NYC DOT, and MOCA demonstrated how thoughtful design interventions can celebrate and preserve urban communities. The project is an inspiring example of how art and design can enrich public spaces while maintaining cultural heritage.

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