During the 2019 anti-extradition movement, Hong Kong residents used graffiti and giant posters on the streets to showcase the spirit of art and resistance. Hong Kong exiles have taken up this art form of protest, organizing an exhibition in Taiwan featuring artworks by imprisoned protesters who braved the risks of participating. These individuals used unique methods to tell the true story of Hong Kong's struggle.
The second Hong Kong Human Rights Exhibition will open next Tuesday (April 1st) at the Taipei 228 National Memorial Museum. One of the organizers, a Hong Kong protester living in exile in Taiwan, went to Tangshan for an interview with our station. He stated that this year's number of artworks submitted by imprisoned protesters has increased significantly compared to last year. Although the implementation of Article 23 of the Basic Law has made it more difficult for imprisoned protesters to send their artworks to Taiwan, and because every letter sent from prison is registered by the authorities, prisoners who exhibit their artworks after the exhibition may face prosecution. Nevertheless, many protesters are still willing to take the risk of participating in the exhibition, demonstrating the enduring spirit of resistance among Hong Kong people.
Fu Tang said, "The Hong Kong government actually keeps records of what was sent and what was written. If these paintings were photographed outside, they (the exhibitors) might face consequences. But some friends are truly brave in supporting this event. Some say the Hong Kong protests are over. That's not true. In fact, many people are quietly working hard to continue this struggle. What totalitarianism fears most is our unity and the truth of history, and art happens to be a great way to express these two things."
Futang: We hope that by displaying the paintings of prisoners of conscience, the outside world will know the other side of Hong Kong protesters.
Fu Tang said the inspiration for the human rights exhibition came from a close friend who was imprisoned and began painting while incarcerated in pursuit of a sense of freedom. Fu Tang hopes to share the stories of his friend and other imprisoned protesters through exhibitions.
Fu Tang said, "A friend of mine, through his art in prison, found a sense of freedom and felt like he was rebelling against the current situation. I was deeply moved by this story, and I wanted to share it with everyone. Even those within the prison walls are fighting in their own way, pursuing a sense of freedom. Through their paintings, I want everyone to know that there are people who are physically imprisoned, but whose minds still pursue freedom. I want everyone to see that our prisoners of conscience in Hong Kong are persevering even in prison."
The human rights exhibition will also feature approximately 300 letters donated by protesters and political prisoners.
Fu Tang stated that the 150 paintings on display include artworks by imprisoned protesters, as well as works by Hong Kong residents and artists from various countries. A corner of the venue will feature over 300 letters donated by released protesters and political prisoners, representing communications between these prisoners and those outside the Hong Kong system during their time incarcerated. These letters, through various channels, tell the true story of Hong Kong.
Exiled Hong Kong artist Wong Kwok-choi stated that protest and art are intertwined, not separate. While China boasts artists like Ai Weiwei and Badiucao, Hong Kong and Taiwan also host numerous artists who create works based on themes of protest. He added that the works on display will not only help the outside world better understand the plight of Hong Kong prisoners, but also encourage Hong Kong residents abroad to persevere.
Huang Guocai said, "Art always plays a role in protest. The works released from prison allow you to see the hearts of those incarcerated. They miss their families, including their pets. The person behind each painting fought for democracy and freedom, and then lost their freedom. These are aspects of the struggle we don't see in political slogans, because they are deeply human. When people outside prison, those who are free, see this, they know they (the imprisoned protesters) haven't given up. It's like encouraging us to fight for freedom, speak for them, and never give up."
Wong Kwok-choi, curator of the human rights exhibition, said he decorated the venue in red and erected a house-shaped scaffolding made of paper tubes in the center. He hoped to evoke a sense of time travel through a prison, highlighting the oppression endured by imprisoned protesters under China's red totalitarian regime. He hoped to use art to connect audiences from all over the world and help them understand the current situation facing Hong Kong people.
