Addie's Column: Artist Austin Bell's photography is a global slam dunk
{Artist Austin Bell in rare pose at one of the 12 art courts in Hong Kong which he calls his favorite, this court was completed in 2021 by @onebite.design and was made with a “Girls Prioritized” design to encourage players of all genders and abilities to enjoy. Contributed Photo}
I’ve known Austin Bell for practically my whole life. Growing up, I’d always viewed him as this cool and artsy character, traveling from place to place and coming home with captivating stories of far-off places with beautiful pictures to prove it. For as long as I can remember, Austin has traveled to these enthralling and gorgeous locations, capturing photos and videos that do a spectacular job of portraying the places. His most recent venture has led him to Hong Kong, specifically the basketball courts of Hong Kong. In the upcoming spring of 2024, he plans on releasing a book showcasing the beauty of Hong Kong alongside an art gallery.
{Photographer Austin Bell has created a Basketball Art Grid that captures a multitude of court murals across the world, to view the gallery visit www.basketballcourtart.com. Contributed Photo.}
One of my most prominent memories of Austin is when I was around eight or nine. I’d recently discovered Pokémon, and I was utterly enchanted by it, talking about it to anyone and everyone who would listen. After telling Austin about it, he decided to hand me down his old Gameboy with the game Pokémon Blue and Red. In all honesty, I never understood how to play the game or the steps I needed to progress, but I appreciated that gesture and gift. He and his family have always been close to mine. Knowing his parents, his passion and talent for art and photography is no surprise. When asked what inspired him to get into photography, he responded, “Both of my parents were into photography, and I got an early digital camera when I was in middle school, so I think the combination of their influence and digital being so easy to learn on helped.”
Which is not surprising to me at all; in fact, it’s wonderful. Art is amazing to create and consume and to have the lifelong support of like-minded creatives, it’s no wonder Austin Bell has grown up and developed a passion for art.
With his next project, Austin wants to show a beautiful side of Hong Kong that many may have not seen. With this project, he wants to show people an everyday facet of life in Hong Kong, a fascinating but also niche display throughout the city. Hong Kong has a large number of basketball courts in the region, with over 2,500 spread throughout. In recent years, many street artists have taken to vitalizing the courts by painting the courts with vivid and expressive murals. From abstract paintings to street art to fun pops of colors, the Hong Kong basketball courts truly encapsulate a beautiful city full to the brim of talented people and awe-inspiring art. With this project, Austin is aiming to “...reveal a side of Hong Kong, a very photographed city, that many people have not seen before. Basketball courts and Hong Kong aren’t often thought of together, so hopefully people experience both a visual novelty and also learn more about the city.”
This is an admirable goal, showcasing unknown but utterly inspiring and beautiful artwork throughout a city where the work might have gone unseen. I had never heard about the basketball court murals until learning about them from Austin. Since researching them, I have been intrigued by these works of art.
In the spring of 2024, Austin’s new photography book is slated to be released alongside a gallery of his work. You surely won’t want to miss them. Be sure to check them both out when they are released!
