This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. To commemorate this milestone, a group of Hong Kong immigrants, along with Ukrainian artists, will be hosting the “A Decade with Umbrellas and Dignity” art and documentation exhibition in Manchester from August 3 to 11. The exhibition will showcase over 50 art pieces, reflecting on the journey of Hong Kong and Ukrainian people in the pursuit of freedom and democracy over the past decade. Through visual documents, objects, and artworks, they will share their collective memories.
On the opening day, August 3, there will be a concert and a sharing session. Throughout the exhibition, there will also be screenings of Hong Kong and Ukrainian films to engage with the audience and discuss the current situations in both Hong Kong and Ukraine.
Curator, Zhang Jiali, explained the reason for collaborating with Ukrainian artists for this exhibition, “Although events like the Olympics are underway, the war in Ukraine continues. This year is particularly significant as it marks the tenth anniversary of the Umbrella Movement. The histories of Hong Kong and Ukraine have similar trajectories, so our group of artists who left Hong Kong are eager to work with Ukrainian artists to reflect on the past ten years through art.”
She elaborated that in 2014, Hong Kong saw the Umbrella Movement, while Ukraine experienced the Revolution of Dignity. These revolutions not only deeply altered the destinies of both nations but also sparked a global reconsideration and learning about the pursuit of democracy and freedom.
Zhang Jiali introduced some of the works that will be exhibited, including pieces by British artist Martin Lever, who grew up in Hong Kong and returned to the UK in 2023. His artworks, “All Quiet on the Streets” and “All Quiet down the Shops,” depict the tightening of freedom of speech in Hong Kong that he observed.
One of the artists, using the pseudonym “阿蝦 (Ah Ha),” had been imprisoned for his activism. His works, “Poorly Folded Bed Sheets” and “Properties,” portray his daily life in prison. Zhang Jiali expressed that these lifelike artworks shed light on the inner world of prisoners and evoke profound contemplation.
The artist couple, “淋漓淋浪,” will showcase their new oil paintings, “Light Transformers” and “Rooting Everywhere,” at the exhibition. Through vibrant colors, they convey the unwavering determination of Hong Kongers and the message of not forgetting their initial aspirations.
Ukrainian artists Miftahova Olesia and Kostiantyn Kozlov will present installation art pieces, aiming to offer audiences a firsthand experience to understand the impact of the war in Ukraine on its people and to inspire reflection on the current situation.
Zhang Jiali emphasized the importance of visitors experiencing the venue in person, as the placement of artworks has been meticulously designed. For instance, the final piece in the exhibition, “Moonlight Over a Thousand Miles” by Hong Kong artist Bowie, features a window at the end of the room where visitors can look up and see the moonlight. This symbolism conveys the enduring hope amidst uncertainty, looking forward to the day of reunion with everyone.
Exhibition Dates: August 3 to 11
Exhibition Venue: Asgard Groceries
Unit B Stamford New Road, Altrincham WA14 1BD
Exhibition Hours:
– 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Weekdays)
– 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Weekends)
Film Screenings:
Hong Kong film “Ten Years”:
– Session 1: August 4, 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
– Session 2: August 10, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Ukrainian film “20 Days in Mariupol”:
– Screening Date: August 9, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM