Boy street dressed as "sunflower" please passers-by water, netizen: envy his mental state

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Xiao Gang's sunflower performance transformed everyday encounters into playful moments of connection.

His interactive approach, inviting passersby to become part of the performance, fostered a sense of community and lightheartedness amidst the city's vibrant rhythm.

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Xiao Gang's artistic actions attracted people of all ages and personalities. One grandfather even encouraged young people around him to join in, saying, "Even at my age, I'm embracing the fun."

▲ People wearing sunflower headsets interactive picture source: "Xiao Gang classmate" video screenshot

Whether it's inviting passers-by to "water and fertilize" them with watering cans, or taking photos with them wearing sunflower headsets, Xiao Gang's "Planting the Sun" tour connects people in a fun way, injecting a sense of relaxation and vitality into the fast-paced city.

▲ Passers-by of different ages use watering cans to "water" Xiao Gang students Source: "Xiao Gang students" video screenshot

Amidst the applause and amusement, concerns have arisen regarding the potential for such performances to disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens.

▲Image source: Shine

While some advocate for unrestricted creative freedom within the boundaries of legality and safety, the absence of clear guidelines defining interference with others leaves room for controversy.

Shanghai, with its rich history of street art, faces the challenge of striking a delicate balance between fostering free expression and minimizing potential disruptions to residents' lives, especially in the era of social media and short-form videos.

The city has taken steps towards addressing this challenge. In 2014, Shanghai became the first in China to legalize street performers, expanding the initial categories of music and intangible cultural heritage to encompass a wider range of artistic expressions.

▲ Photo source: Shanghai Jing 'an official wechat

Luo Hong, a returnee to Shanghai after living in 16 countries, offers a compelling perspective in an interview: "The sunflower performance not only brought joy to the participants but also elicited positive online responses, with many expressing a sense of healing. As street performances evolve, Shanghai should embrace this creative expression and nurture artistic freedom, but within reasonable boundaries."

Editor: Fu Yifang

Intern: Ma Xuan

Source: Shine