Art Speaks Truth: Taipei Exhibition Chronicles Hong Kong's Fight for Freedom

A poignant exhibition in Taiwan showcases the art and stories of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, offering a stark reminder of freedom's fragility.

Taipei, Taiwan – The National 228 Memorial Museum in Taipei is currently hosting the second iteration of the Hong Kong Human Rights Art Exhibition. This powerful exhibition serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong, showcasing the resilience of activists and the importance of protecting fundamental rights.

The exhibition's launch was marked by a press conference, attended by figures deeply invested in human rights and democratic values. Attendees included museum director Na Su-phok (藍士博), human rights advocate Lee Ming-che (李明哲), New School for Democracy leader Lai Jung-wei (賴榮偉), and members of the Hong Kong Outlanders, a group formed by young Hong Kong democracy activists in Taiwan following the 2019 protests against the extradition bill.

"It is unfathomable how freedoms in Hong Kong have degraded," stated Futong (赴湯), a member of the Hong Kong Outlanders, during the press conference. He emphasized the exhibition's aim to encourage reflection on the value of democracy and freedom. "Hopefully, through this exhibition, people will know better than to take democracy and freedom for granted, reflect upon Taiwan's democracy and freedom, and not allow it to become the next Hong Kong."

Futong further expressed his hope that Hong Kongers would visit the exhibition and find renewed hope amidst the current challenges. Sky Fung (馮紹天), chairman of the Hong Kong Outlanders, highlighted the motivations of Hong Kongers who have migrated to Taiwan, emphasizing their desire to partner with Taiwanese citizens in opposing China, rather than simply escaping the situation in Hong Kong.

The exhibition features a diverse range of artwork, including photographs, paintings, and poignant letters written by discharged activists and political prisoners in Hong Kong during their incarceration. These personal accounts offer a multifaceted perspective on the Hong Kong experience.

A particularly striking piece, "An Apple a Day," draws attention to the silencing of voices in Hong Kong. It's an apple crafted from a copy of the June 24, 2021, edition of Apple Daily, published on the day the newspaper ceased operations after the Hong Kong government found it in violation of the National Security Law and arrested its founder, media tycoon Jimmy Lai (黎智英).

The Hong Kong Human Rights Art Exhibition, which opened on April 1st, will run until June 29th. It provides a crucial platform to raise awareness and offer a timely reminder to safeguard democracy and human rights in Taiwan and beyond.