The Blindboy Podcast Theres a seven foot painting of me in a bar in China and I don't know why it's there
Dec 31, 2025
Ever found a seven-foot painting of yourself in a bar halfway around the world? Tune in as the host reflects on this surreal discovery in Chongqing. He dives into the complexities of Irish identity abroad, unraveling what makes a pub authentically Irish. Journey through Blade Runner fantasies and the realities of globalization, with stories of forgotten trade histories. Plus, a humorous take on celebrities secretly tuning in and tips to spot real Irish pubs while embracing the vibrant chaos of the neon-lit city.
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China's Cityscape Fuels Cyberpunk Fantasies
- Chongqing and Shenzhen often appear in viral videos because their LED-lit skyscrapers create a Blade Runner-like aesthetic.
- That urban visual feeds Western fantasies of a futuristic Orient and shapes how people imagine those cities.
Mural Found In Chongqing Irish Bar
- Blindboyboatclub received a photo from an A-list Hollywood celebrity who found a seven-foot mural of him in an Irish bar in Chongqing, China.
- The celebrity asked Blindboy to keep their location secret so they could enjoy anonymity while on holiday.
Beware Cyberpunk's Orientalism
- Blindboyboatclub recognises his own Orientalist fantasy influenced by films like Blade Runner and Akira.
- He warns that cyberpunk fetishisation often reduces diverse Asian cultures into a single 'Oriental' other.
