Equivalent Installation

Civil unrest had reached critical mass. It was the first night of the 2016 Chinese New Year, but a riot had broken out on the streets of Mong Kok. Bricks ripped from the pavement in addition to broken bottles, trash cans, shipping palettes, and even police barricades bombarded Hong Kong police officers. As the chaos erupted, a Hong Kong police officer pointed his pistol at the unyielding crowd of protesters in self-defense. The show of force and locked aim did nothing to subdue the approaching swarm or their projectiles. The officer quickly fired two shots in the air as another officer laid on the ground unconscious. By the end of night, 61 citizens had been arrested, scores injured, at least 22 fires had been set, and over 2,000 bricks had been dug up. Since the start of the Umbrella Revolution in 2014, political tension between Hong Kong and China has been palpable. Pro-democracy forces remain resistant to Beijing as it pulls Hong Kong further under its political influence. Hong Kong, a semiautonomous city with an open press and freedom of speech, continues to be scrutinized by China since its handover from the British in 1997. Hong Kong has long been a global trading post, and even with the rise of a capitalist China the city remains Asia’s financial center. Hong Kong has a unique position as a bridge between the mainland and global economy, providing a transparent justice system with secure investment conditions. As citizens remain defiant, the Hong Kong government has banned protests during visits from top Chinese officials and continues to glue bricks down to the pavement throughout the city to prevent a repeat of the 2016 riots. The pro-Beijing government demonstrates its authority and commitment to China by gluing the bricks into place; uprooting the bricks, contests sovereignty, place, locality, and the forfeiture of culture. A suppressed subject under British and Chinese rule, Hong Kong’s independence has become a mainstream conversation as more people consider themselves Hongkongers rather than Chinese. Growing fears of the loss of identity and culture are embedded in their democratic values and judicial transparency that protects freedom of speech and assembly. In Equivalent, the struggle for Hong Kong’s political, social, and economic freedom has come down to control of the ground beneath their feet.

Installation:Found Objects on Other

Original:One-of-a-kind Artwork

Size:4 W x 2 H x 8 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.