On the eve of the NATO summit to be held in The Hague, Netherlands, two Hong Kong human rights art exhibitions have opened locally, commemorating the sixth anniversary of the Hong Kong anti-extradition protests and highlighting the theme of “seeing humanity in crisis”. The exhibitions include “Humanity in Times of Tension” organized by the Hong Kong human rights art organization “NGO DEI” in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague and the international humanitarian platform Humanity Hub, as well as the exhibition “What I Breathe Is Not Air, It Is Freedom” held at the “NGO DEI” gallery.
As a significant opening event for the “Road to Summit” project, the “Humanity in Times of Tension” exhibition attracted over a hundred human rights workers, art enthusiasts, and citizens from different countries at its opening on June 11th. In the midst of escalating conflicts and the spread of authoritarianism globally, the Hong Kong overseas art organization curated an exhibition for the first time in the host city of the NATO summit, with the Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, delivering a speech at the opening. The exhibition received support from the Municipality of The Hague, the Just Peace Festival, Leiden University, and various human rights organizations.
The exhibition is divided into seven thematic areas covering justice, peace, freedom, memory, identity, land, and war issues. Participating artists come from Ukraine, Myanmar, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United States, Greece, and other European countries, presenting a diversity of perspectives. Several overseas Hong Kong artists were also invited to participate, including artists like Lam Lim and Missy Hyper, VA Wong Sir, and Ricker Choi. The author of “Pillars of the Nation,” Gao Zhihuo, showcased his work “Stand with Hong Kong”.
At the exhibition, Hong Kong artist Lam Lim presented a new work titled “Madonna and Child (Lullaby)”, showcasing the delicate balance between freedom and peace from the intersection of religion and war, prompting viewers to reflect on the risks of a third world war.
Another exhibitor, Hong Kong multimedia artist Missy Hyper, who has relocated to Taiwan, not only participated in the “Humanity in Times of Tension” exhibition but also held her first solo exhibition in Europe titled “What I Breathe Is Not Air, It Is Freedom” on June 14, marking the reopening of the “NGO DEI” gallery after six months of renovation.
Missy Hyper, whose real name is Zheng Minni, is a veteran media person who worked in Hong Kong radio for over 20 years. After the anti-extradition movement, she moved to Taiwan and created the artwork “What I Breathe Is Not Air, It Is Freedom” using 366 images of the Taiwan Strait taken by herself, combined with environmental sounds to create an invisible yet ever-present atmosphere of freedom. Another piece, “Silent Wind Chimes,” invites audiences to draw their imaginations of democracy and freedom, collage them into paper wind chimes, symbolizing cross-cultural resonance.
On the first day of the exhibition, June 14, there will be a special screening of the short film “Home Kong”, starring Missy Hyper and gained international awards but was not shown in Hong Kong, reflecting the scattered feelings of Hong Kong people, with Missy Hyper engaging with the audience to share insights into her creations.
“Humanity in Times of Tension” Exhibition
Location: Amare Modern Art and Music Center, The Hague (Spuiplein 150, 2511 DG Den Haag)
Dates: June 11 to June 26, 2025
“What I Breathe Is Not Air, It Is Freedom” Exhibition
Location: “NGO DEI” Gallery (Westeinde 25, The Hague, Netherlands)
Dates: June 14 to June 22, 2025