Hidden Waves — Tracing the Truth of Hong Kong
- Project
- CAM-007
- Location
- Hong Kong (protest sites citywide)
- Date
- 8 November 2024 – 11 March 2025
- Partners
- Hidden Waves HK
In 2019, Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests drew the eyes of the world as millions took to the streets to demand political freedom and autonomy. Five years on, under the weight of the National Security Law, the city has been transformed: dissent has been suppressed, criticism of the government criminalised, and more than 1,500 political prisoners held behind bars. The authorities now promote a story of a city "back to normal" — a picture that bears little resemblance to what those who witnessed or joined the struggle actually lived.
Hidden Waves invites people to seek out the traces of that struggle that remain across the city, and to reflect on the ongoing fight for Hong Kong's future. By visiting the places and symbols that came to define 2019 — from Lion Rock to Prince Edward Station, from the Legislative Council to the prisons now holding the movement's activists — participants can see for themselves that no amount of repression changes the truth. More than a walk through the city, the campaign is a call to carry these truths to the world, so that Hong Kong's struggle is not forgotten but kept on the conscience of the world.
How it worked. Participants followed and reposted the campaign from Lady Liberty Hong Kong and Hidden Waves HK, then visited at least three designated "resistance spots" — including at least one prison — photographing themselves at each holding a slogan such as Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong, Free Jimmy Lai, or Free Chow Hang-tung. Photos were shared publicly with the hashtag #HiddenWavesHK.
The sites. The campaign mapped more than two dozen locations across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories — sites of mass marches, police violence, and remembrance, alongside the correctional facilities where activists remain imprisoned. Each spot carries a story of resilience, courage, and the refusal to stay silent.
Prize. Twelve participants received Hong Kong accommodation vouchers — reimbursement of up to ¥20,000 per night for three nights' stay — with applications and eligible stays running through 11 March 2025.
The campaign's key visual, A Glance of Sai Ying Pun, is available in the Poster Gallery.