I've walked past this store many times, and, from the words "Art Shop" emblazoned across the window had always assumed that it sold art supplies. Imagine my surprise, therefore, when I went in to buy a paintbrush and found myself in a dusty room full of paintings in shiny frames, haphazardly stacked against the wall about five deep. An immaculately made-up Asian lady sat behind a counter, disinterestedly doing her nails, while down a dim corridor were a few old computers, comprising a slightly incongruous internet cafe adjoined to the shop.
To be honest, I found the whole set-up highly bemusing. The 'art', which apparently comes from Hong Kong, seemed mostly to be large paintings of flowers in gaudy colours, or semi-abstract pictures of pots and vases, while there were also some very opulent mirrors in elaborate frames.
Nothing gave me any particular aesthetic thrill, but I've never claimed to be an art expert, and if you're looking for something to brighten up a room, a rummage through the works piled up here might yield something you like. read more