Vancouver art show walks the tightrope of politics, protest and Hong Kong identity
- The ‘Light Hours’ exhibition examines connections between Canada and Hong Kong amid ‘Beijing’s tightening grip’, according to organiser Ho Tam
- Some artists declined to take part because of such themes, yet others were deterred by Tam’s goal that it not be a ‘protest show’
When Canadian artist and publisher Ho Tam decided to put on a show devoted to Hong Kong identity at such a critical time in the city’s history, he found himself walking a fine line as he approached others to take part.
The Light Hours exhibition at his Eastside Vancouver gallery space would examine ties between Canada and the city he left as a child. But the political context was clear.
“As the light hours quickly pass before darkness falls on the once liberal and prosperous Hong Kong, now is the time for us to speak out like never before,” he writes in exhibition notes, referring to social unrest and political uncertainty amid “Beijing’s tightening grip”.
That theme saw some decline to take part. Tam, 58, has lived in Canada for more than 40 years, and has not visited Hong Kong since 2013, but other artists who spent more time in Hong Kong had more at stake.
“They have a more Hong Kong context, and they might have been afraid that being in this exhibition could jeopardise their fate or their relatives in Hong Kong … some don’t even want to touch the topic [of Hong Kong identity],” he said.