“Human Rights Art Exhibition from Hong Kong Debuts in Taipei, Inspiring People to Resist Authoritarianism”

The human rights situation in Hong Kong has attracted widespread attention under the dual pressure of the National Security Law and Article 23 of the Basic Law. The 2nd Hong Kong Human Rights Art Exhibition was held from April 1 to June 29 at the 228 Memorial Museum in Taiwan, organized by the Hong Kong Human Rights Link, the Chinese Democracy Academy, and the Dr. Chan Man Sing Memorial Fund.

The “Hong Kong Human Rights Art Exhibition” initiated by members of the Hong Kong Human Rights Link aims to serve as a platform for human rights, urging more people to pay attention to freedom and human rights issues in Hong Kong and around the world.

The organizer of the event pointed out that the National Security Law in Hong Kong and Article 23 of the Basic Law have continued to narrow the space for human rights in Hong Kong. Inspired by a friend in prison who sought brief moments of freedom through painting and letters, he organized this exhibition in the hope of drawing attention to human rights in Hong Kong through art. He expressed gratitude for the freedom in Taiwan that allowed this exhibition to take place, which could not have happened in Hong Kong, and hoped to inspire more people to stand against authoritarianism.

The Chairman of the Chinese Democracy Academy, Lai Rongwei, emphasized that the Hong Kong Human Rights Art Exhibition displayed various art forms that could not be publicly presented in Hong Kong due to political pressure. He stressed that Taiwan, as a free and democratic country separate from the People’s Republic of China, has enabled the display of works in Taiwan that could not be shown in Hong Kong, demonstrating Taiwan’s commitment to human rights and freedom of speech.

The Vice Chairman of the Dr. Chan Man Sing Memorial Fund, Chen Lipu, noted that this exhibition not only showcases works of art but also lets the world see Hong Kong. He criticized the oppression of Hong Kong by the Chinese Communist Party, stating that it has stifled democracy and freedom in the city which was once a stronghold of democracy in Asia, welcoming those who resisted authoritarian rule. However, since the sovereignty of Hong Kong was handed over to the CCP in 1997, not only has the democratic context in Hong Kong been cut off, but there have also been attempts to erase Hong Kong’s culture and history. He hoped that one day the Hong Kong Human Rights Exhibition could truly return to Hong Kong.

Curator Huang Guocai emphasized that art is a powerful tool to combat oppression. Through various works such as visual arts, music, sculpture, and video, this exhibition showcases the beliefs and courage of political prisoners. He pointed out that this is not only a tribute to imprisoned Hong Kongers but also a reminder to cherish the present and not forget the sacrifices of those who resist. He said, “Though the body is imprisoned, the spirit remains unbroken,” urging everyone to stand in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong.

In his speech, the Director of the 228 Memorial Museum, Lan Shibo, pointed out the phenomenon of public silence on public issues under authoritarian rule in Hong Kong, reflecting the suppression of freedom of speech and erosion of democracy. He emphasized that democracy is not a natural progression of a system and requires constant nurturing and protection by the people. When society chooses to remain silent, it is the moment of expansion for dictatorship. He called on the public to cherish freedom of speech, courageously speak out, and jointly safeguard democratic values.

Human rights advocate Li Mingzhe stated that Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law and the National Security Law have severely affected freedom of speech and association in Hong Kong, leading to the cleansing of democratic parties and civil society organizations. Drawing from his own experience of being detained in China, he pointed out that the CCP demands total obedience under the guise of “peace” but practices authoritarianism in reality. He mentioned his wife Li Jingyu’s steadfast support and refusal to remain silent as a defense of human rights values. He emphasized that CCP-style authoritarianism not only harms Hong Kong but also threatens Taiwan, warning that democracy and freedom cannot be compromised.

Feng Shaotian, the Secretary-General of Hong Kong Borderless Youth, shared his feelings as an exile, expressing doubts about whether his voice is still being heard. However, this exhibition proves that “there are still people who care.” He stressed that fleeing is not about avoidance but choosing a path where beliefs can still be upheld. He reminded everyone that Hong Kong’s plight may not be a thing of the past but a challenge faced collectively in the entire region. He said, “Creation is a weapon against forgetting, recording the truth to keep thoughts free.”

Lin Fangru, Vice Chairman of the Good Citizens Cultural Action Association, approached the issue from a Taiwanese perspective, sharing the experience of connecting with Hong Kong support actions in Taichung since the anti-extradition movement in 2019. She stated that the CCP has violated the “one country, two systems” principle, and the violent treatment of protesters by the Hong Kong police has forced many Hong Kongers to seek refuge in Taiwan. She emphasized the importance of solidarity between Hong Kong and Taiwan, hoping that Taiwan will not follow Hong Kong’s footsteps and that the future of Hong Kong will move towards democracy as Taiwan has. She also mentioned that Taiwan’s opposition parties have blocked human rights budgets, posing challenges to the practice of democracy and reminding that democracy and freedom require continuous protection and active support.

The organizers mentioned that during the exhibition, there were various planned activities, including guided tours, lectures on Hong Kong-Taiwan human rights, interactive Hong Kong food lectures, an exhibition lecture in collaboration with the Taiwan International Ethnic Film Exhibition, and the “Hong Kong Light and Shadow Remembrance Event” on June 15, with the hope of engaging more people, increasing awareness of the current situation in Hong Kong, and building a coalition for freedom through diverse formats.