Since the anti-amendment demonstrations in Hong Kong began in 2019, more than a thousand political prisoners in Hong Kong have been imprisoned. Although some have been released from prison after serving their sentences, many are still in jail without seeing the light of day. Some Canadian Hong Kong people organized "Prison" "Art Exhibition of Imprisoned Political Prisoners and Sibling Sharing Session after School", we hope that people will continue to pay attention to the situation of Hong Kong political prisoners in prison and express their unwavering support for them.
In the small space of the Vancouver Art Gallery, more than 100 hand-painted paintings and letters by Hong Kong political prisoners were displayed through wall layouts and projections, as well as three Hong Kongers who landed in Canada after being released from prison - Jess, Hong Zai and Sister Zhen shared their prison life and belief in freedom and democracy with more than 200 people at the scene.
"Jesse", a well-known Hong Kong internet host, said that he was released from prison, but still feels depressed. This is because he misses his friends in prison. Seeing these paintings makes him even more worried. He once cried during the sharing meeting. "Each painting reminds me of my previous life there and with them; the meaning of painting is that everyone wants to express freedom in a place where there is no freedom, the only space. When you draw, you feel a sense of freedom of expression.”
There were several works at the scene painted by Tan Teck Chi (Kuai Bi), the former vice-chairman of People Power. One of the train works was painted by him for the 47 people case. He wanted to remind everyone not to only care about the unknown destination ahead, but also to appreciate it. scenery along the way. Jess said that this means that no matter how hard the struggle for democracy is, every bit of it is worth it.
Hong Tsai, who was also imprisoned, said that he was imprisoned alone in a small room at that time. The loneliness was very scary, but luckily his cell had a window and he could see the sunset as long as the weather was good. "(At that time) my only entertainment every day was to wait for the sunset to appear. I felt that God had favored me. Other brothers and sisters in prison may not be able to see the sky. They are suffering more than me."
Sister Zhen once worked as a "prison visitor" in Hong Kong, volunteering to visit and help political prisoners in prison. Unexpectedly, she was also imprisoned later. As someone who has experienced it, she said that every line or word on the painting was The words represent the unforgettable feelings of political prisoners.
The organizer, Xinyi, also served as a prison visit volunteer in Hong Kong, and thus got to know many political prisoners and their families. She said that she had visited dozens of prisoners, and every time she visited, she shed tears and felt heartbroken. "When they were in there, looking at the bed twenty-four hours a day, and no one was with them, when we could look at him, that was the only way he could talk to us, and that was something that I felt very distressed about for a long time. "
She hopes that through exhibitions and sharing, the fire of caring for Hong Kong will continue to burn in people's hearts, and she hopes to encourage people to write letters to Hong Kong prisoners so that they can gain comfort and motivation.