Amazing Sidewalk Art at Gangnam Station

I was going to Gangnam Station to meet with a few friends for dinner, I exited and turned the corner and looked down the steps and saw this beautiful new painting on the street.

I know it is new because it looks really clean for a painting people can walk on. Also, I was there two weeks ago and it was a faded old painting. Unless street art is protected with glass or plastic, it doesn't last too long.

The area it is located is just outside Gangnam Station Exit 9. There is a row of steps around half of it for people to sit on. Normally, this area is reserved for people who are singing or doing other performances. Now there is a beautiful stage.

This painting is of a place called Sevit Island. It is a series of artificial islands in the Han River, just downstream of Banpo Bridge. Banpo Bridge is famous for having a water fountain show. The Sevit Islands themselves host nice restaurants, bars, art galleries, and performances. I don't know if they paid for this add. In any case, the Sevit islands are in the same area as This side of Gangnam station - Seocho-gu. The other side of the road is Gangnam-gu ;)

Although in reality, the islands are floating on the surface of the water and not raised, I really like the futuristic cloud city effect it creates.

The koi fish in the water looks so realistic. I've tried to paint them before and it's really difficult. Whoever did this work has a lot of talent and ability. I can't believe it only took a couple of days. It speaks to the professionalism of the artist.

The painting itself has an illusion of depth because of the black edit. But don't feel fooled but the realness of the water or the ledge. This isn't a pond. The sidewalk is flat and the water isn't real. It's a 2d surface. I really like the effect. Also, the fish are way too big, they are like whales or monsters, but it really allows the artist to create details. This is the same for the raised islands. Playing with shadows and depth on a 2d surface is what set's good sidewalk art from dull sidewalk art.

Some people were walking across this painting, but I couldn't. I didn't want to fall into the pond and get my shoes wet, lol.

I don't know who painted this photo, but maybe there is an info sign on the wall next to it. In any case, the amazing talent of this artist is well beyond my level.