An art exhibition in Taipei commemorates the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protesters almost 35 years ago, who were subjected to a violent crackdown by Chinese authorities, with an annual candlelight vigil scheduled for June 4, organizers said on Thursday.
The “Life Death Preserve Forgotten” exhibition — which revolves around a concept of “storage of memories” — features works by 18 artists from around the world, including from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong, who express their longing for freedom and democracy, the New School for Democracy said.
The commemoration of the events in Beijing on June 4, 1989, is no longer solely focused on the issue of democracy in China, but more about universal values, New School for Democracy executive director Tseng Chien-yuan (曾建元) said.
Photo: CNA
Taiwanese should take into account regional security and civic responsibility when considering the relationship between Taiwan and the Tiananmen Square Massacre, Tseng said.
Those concerned about China’s hegemony should visit the exhibition and attend the annual candlelight vigil, he said.
Wu Renhua (吳仁華), who witnessed the Tiananmen Square Massacre, said he hoped that the commemorative activities would help young people understand more about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The reason Taiwan continues to face threats from across the Strait is because of the CCP, Wu said.
Taiwanese learned the true nature of the CCP from the Tiananmen Square Massacre, so it is important for the community to unite and face the threats ahead, Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) said, an apparent reference to military exercises around Taiwan launched by China on Thursday.
The exhibition is to run until June 13 in the central corridor on the first floor of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, while the annual candlelight vigil is scheduled for the evening of June 4 at Democracy Boulevard outside the hall, the organizers said.
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