Students cover Hong Kong in pro-democracy art

By Fusion Staff | October 7, 2014 | 9:00pm

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From larger-than-life sculptures that rise above the protesting crowds to scribbled Post-its, students have found a creative outlet for their pro-democracy voices.

When students first gathered in the streets to demand that China honor its promise of democratic elections, they brought hastily crafted signs with them.

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As the movement gained momentum, students incorporated new symbols – umbrellas and yellow ribbons – into their work.

People with serious artistic talent put it on full display.

But that wasn’t the point. Everyone was encouraged to create something – even a simple Post-it message – to spread the call for democracy.

Billy, an IT worker in a bank, asked people to write their age and what the movement means to them and then posted photographs of their messages on a widely shared Facebook page.

Then, protesters started building things – abstract umbrella creations and giant statues.

Streets and squares that held cars and workers gave way to bright displays of hope.

A 29-year-old tech worker named Jason projected messages of support from around the world on the side of a government building.

The number of people in the streets has dwindled somewhat as government officials have agreed to speak with students and some protesters have returned to work and school.

The art they’ve left behind is also temporary and will likely soon disappear to the elements or at the hands of counter-protesters. But for now, the art stands, throughout Hong Kong, as a tangible sign of the pro-democracy sentiment that has compelled students to take to the streets and demand change.

“It is a way to record the moment,” said Quenny, a 25-year-old sketch artist who just graduated from college.

Video credits:

Shot, produced and edited on the ground by Diego Torres
Final edit and tweaks in post production by Ingrid Rojas

Produced by Jared Goyette

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Emily DeRuy is a Washington, D.C.-based associate editor, covering education, reproductive rights, and inequality. A San Francisco native, she enjoys Giants baseball and misses Philz terribly.