This is a clear example of how art can change the world, as this 93 year-old man did in his town in Vietnam when the government warned that they were going to demolish and were asked to relocate.
I came across the story on Mental Floss where they tell it like this:
“Five years ago, the Taiwanese government alerted Huang Yung-fu and his neighbors that their village would be demolished and ordered them to re-locate. According to NDTV, most of Huang’s neighbors obeyed the order, but Huang—who, at 93 years old, has been living in the same village for 37 years—stayed behind. “To keep himself busy in the nearly empty village located in the Nantun district of Taichung City, Huang began painting. It wasn’t so much a calculated protest as it was an act of love: Huang’s father had taught him to paint as a child, and now, in the abandoned village, he finally had time to practice.
“Huang started by painting a bird inside his house. Then he began painting the walls outside. The colorful mural quickly grew until it covered the entire village. There were cats, dogs, plants, and even some of Huang’s favorite celebrities, like kung fu legend Bruce Lee.
“Eventually, a group of university students stumbled upon Huang’s artwork. They were so impressed they launched a petition to save the village. The government complied, and Huang’s village is now a major tourist attraction—and will likely soon be named an official cultural landmark.
“Huang has become a local celebrity. He gives tours of his village and will happily chat with anyone who stops by. He continues to paint every day, adding new brightly colored creatures to his sprawling mural, and is known throughout the region as the “Rainbow Grandpa.”
You can read more about the story and history here.
How incredible is his art?
Oh wow, this is such a feel good find! His art is so vibrant and colourful, it certainly must have made an impression! Thanks for much for sharing 😀
I couldn’t resist! I loved it.
Oh wow, this is such a feel good find! His art is so vibrant and colourful, it certainly must have made an impression! Thanks for much for sharing 😀
I couldn’t resist! I loved it.
Wow, what an incredible story! The whole village must be so proud of him, and it looks amazing!
I’m sure they are!
Wow, what an incredible story! The whole village must be so proud of him, and it looks amazing!
I’m sure they are!
So inspiring, it’s like a non-violent demonstration I guess …
Absolutely.
So inspiring, it’s like a non-violent demonstration I guess …
Absolutely.
What a fabulous story! It must be incredible to see with all of that vibrant color.
I would love to photograph it!
What a fabulous story! It must be incredible to see with all of that vibrant color.
I would love to photograph it!
Wow!! Amazing!
Wow!! Amazing!
Oh wow – I love this! What an incredible man 🙂
I agree. 🙂
Oh wow – I love this! What an incredible man 🙂
I agree. 🙂
So inspiring and sweet…..love this!
So inspiring and sweet…..love this!
Incredible story, incredible art and an incredible man with an incredible spirit! Just makes you smile!
I know, I just had to share it 🙂
Incredible story, incredible art and an incredible man with an incredible spirit! Just makes you smile!
I know, I just had to share it 🙂
Yes, Incredible story! His village and his story will definitely be remembered! Thank you for sharing ♥
Yes, Incredible story! His village and his story will definitely be remembered! Thank you for sharing ♥
so inspiring 🙂
so inspiring 🙂
Wow, this is an amazing story. Definitely worth sharing!
Wow, this is an amazing story. Definitely worth sharing!