Large-scale protests erupted last June over a now-axed extradition bill that would have enabled fugitive transfers to mainland China. For the entirety of the unrest — from the early, vast marches to the violent police arrests to the vandalism and the eventual ballot box victory — some of the world’s best local and international photographers were there to bear witness.
Photojournalists were at the front lines to capture some of the most intimate moments and the most pivotal events.
DEFIANCE is a photographic chronicle of the most unforgettable year in Hong Kong’s history.
The collection include shots from HKFP’s May James, as well as images from our partners.
A companion book, VOICES, is a collection of the artwork, slogans and verse spawned by the Hong Kong protest movement.
From the very beginning of the demonstrations, with the first mass rally in June, Hong Kong’s artists found creative inspiration in the drama unfolding in the streets. Their work has, in turn, given visual expression to the people’s anguish, anger and anxiety — through poster art, graffiti, Cantonese wordplay and widely shared internet memes.
At some of the darkest moments, artists provided levity and relief, and added fuel to keep the momentum alive.
The Defiance and Voices team sought to document the momentous period of Hong Kong’s recent history through the publication of two classic books and collaborate with internationally and locally acclaimed photographers, writers, artists and designers in their production.
All profits will be donated to charity.
More information can be found on the project’s website and Facebook page.
