Using gentle brushstroke and subdued colours, the artist evoked a phenomenal scene during the 2019 anti-Extradition protest which resembles a famous biblical event.
On June 16 2019, 2 million Hongkongers marched in protest against the Extradition Bill. Protesters were seen moving aside to let an ambulance pass, proving the kindness and orderly manner of Hongkongers.
Social media users compared this to the parting of the Red Sea in the Bible, when Moses held out his staff and God parts the sea water. Moses then led the Israelites through the dry ground to escape from the pursuing Egyptians. Once the Israelites had arrived safe onto the ground, the sea water closes, drowning the Egyptians. This biblical event resonates with Hongkongers, for many of them are escaping persecution and oppression from the government.
Artist
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Ricker Choi
“Art serves as a counter narrative to fight against authoritarian regime's attempt to rewrite history.” Ricker Choi.
Gentle, subdued, and impressionistic are the stylistic elements characterising Choi’s paintings. But underneath the soft and tender hues are strong emotional undercurrent, reflected by the symbols or moments the artist chose to capture on his canvases.
The subjects Choi depicts reflect the public sentiments on the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. These are symbols that the protesters recognise as the key moments or elements of the movement. The collective recognition forms a supportive bond and mutual understanding among the protesters that need not be spelled out. These moments of emotional intimacy represent the currents of warmth and humanity that is the lasting hope in dire humanitarian situations unfolding in the city.
Choi immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in 1980’s. Seeing the political upheaval in Hong Kong, he decided to use art to honour the bravery and fight for freedom, getting inspirations from observing specific incidents. He has been using art to raise money for organisations helping Hong Kong’s fight for freedom, and is widely recognised in the community. His story has been featured in Apple Daily - the now closed independent news outlet in Hong Kong.
Donation +-
Based on our agreement with the artist, 70% of the pre-VAT price excluding frames will be donated to support the social movement. Donation will be made to Banyan Tree Aid.
Artwork Details +-
Print medium: Printed, using the giclée method, on Hahnemühle Daguerre Canvas. A 400 gsm matt-coated inkjet canvas made from mixed polyester-cotton fabric with a fine, uniform surface texture, it is acid- and lignin-free and meets the most exacting requirements in terms of age resistance. The bright white canvas is characterised by its high degree of whiteness.
Canvas wrap: Canvas is delivered unstretched with 50mm border on each side.
Shipping: We currently ship to the UK and Continental Europe only, with a delivery duration of 4-7 business days within UK and 7-10 business days across Continental Europe. Delivery to Europe will be subjected to additional import VAT and duties to be paid to the courier directly.