Since the transfer of power in 1997, Hong Kong’s freedoms and human rights have been continuously narrowing. The implementation of the Hong Kong version of the National Security Law in 2020 completely shattered the Chinese Communist Party’s promises of “One Country, Two Systems” and “Fifty Years Unchanged,” making the road to freedom even more arduous for the people of Hong Kong. However, overseas Hong Kongers continue to hold onto their original intentions and forge ahead.
Despite the temporary conclusion of the tumultuous “Hong Kong Time Revolution,” overseas Hong Kongers remain steadfast in their stance. Through various efforts, the Hong Kong Forum in Los Angeles (HKFLA) has established a “Hong Kong Corner” at the Liberty Sculpture Park in Yermo, Mojave Desert, Southern California. The park currently houses four artworks: the “Free Hong Kong, Revolution now” monument, “The Great Escape To Hong Kong” monument, “Liberate Hong Kong” mural, and a Lennon Wall made of reinforced steel and wood measuring over 1200 feet long, which has been under construction since January 20, 2020.
Mr. Lin, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Forum in Los Angeles, stated: “Five years have passed, and it seems like all the smoke of the past has sunk in time, yet some people still choose not to forget.” These four exhibits require regular maintenance, including providing sun protection materials to keep them looking fresh. The group has initiated fundraising efforts to continue maintaining and constructing the “Hong Kong Corner” at the Liberty Sculpture Park in California, using art to commemorate the will of the Hong Kong people, ensuring that the torch of freedom and peace will never be extinguished.
“The maintenance and creation of the Hong Kong Corner require long-term investment, and we urgently need support. Regardless of the amount donated, each contribution represents your support for Hong Kong,” Mr. Lin expressed, hoping that one day people will meet in a free Hong Kong. He mentioned that the fundraising funds will not only be used for maintaining the exhibits but also for creating explanatory descriptions about the artworks.
While the Liberty Sculpture Park in California is frequently visited by local Americans, members of the Hong Kong Forum in Los Angeles discovered that most visitors are not fully aware of the social protests in Hong Kong in 2019. They aim to raise funds to construct a metal plaque inscribed with descriptions in both Chinese and English about the “anti-extradition bill” movement in Hong Kong, allowing visitors to understand the meanings of the artworks and better grasp what actually happened in Hong Kong.
The overseer of the Liberty Sculpture Park and sculptor, Mr. Wei Ming Chen, has also built a new wall for the Hong Kong Corner. The Hong Kong Forum in Los Angeles plans to raise funds to hire artists from Hong Kong to depict the situation in Hong Kong through murals. For donations, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hongkongcorner. ◇