Once vilified by the authorities and threatened with jail, Taiwan's graffiti artists are now being encouraged to get out their spray cans to revive urban areas.

Rundown districts around the island have become legalised graffiti zones as Taiwan seeks to cast itself as a hub for creativity and design.

But while some artists welcome the chance to show off their skills without repercussions, others say sticking to areas approved by authorities goes against the spirit of the anti-establishment art form.