Project Proposal No Politics Today - The Wordless Book Working title: No Politics Today - The Wordless Book - This wordless book: created through laser cutting, I invite you to explore your own interpretations, as I refrain from providing explanations. After all, the "greatest politics" is our choice to "not talk politics." Overall Objective:
To create a political art piece that is not too overtly political, not aimed at changing Hong Kong's current situation, but rather at reminding Hong Kong people and the world not to forget the incident, and to stimulate dialogue and reflection on Hong Kong's political situation.
Background:
In early 2018, a Hong Kong man, Chan Tong-kai, killed his pregnant girlfriend while they were on holiday in Taiwan, and fled back to Hong Kong after disposing of the body. Although both the perpetrator and the victim were Hong Kong citizens, there is no extradition agreement between Taiwan and Hong Kong. This resulted in a situation where, even though the suspect confessed to the crime, Hong Kong courts were unable to pass judgment, and could only sentence Chan to 29 months in jail for money laundering. Due to the lack of an extradition agreement, the Shilin District Court in Taiwan could only issue a warrant that would remain valid for 37 years. The Hong Kong government used this incident as a basis to push for amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (FOO).
What is the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (FOO)? The FOO is a law that allows for the transfer of fugitives between Hong Kong and 19 countries, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. However, mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan, which have close ties with Hong Kong, are not included. With the proposed amendments, the Hong Kong government has suggested that in cases of serious crimes, including murder, sexual offences, drug trafficking, corruption, smuggling, and illegal immigration, Hong Kong can transfer fugitives to other jurisdictions without an extradition agreement, including mainland China.
The Hidden Risks of Review and Transfer Rules: The Hong Kong government has pushed for amendments to the FOO, which have already passed the first and second readings. Not only have local Hong Kong citizens protested against the amendments, but the United States and the European Union have also expressed serious concerns. Once the law is passed, Hong Kong residents, Taiwanese, foreign nationals, and mainland Chinese who are in Hong Kong may be at risk of being extradited to mainland China for trial and prosecution.
One of the controversial aspects of the proposed amendments to the FOO is that the power to decide whether to extradite fugitives will no longer require the approval of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. Instead, it will only require the consent of the Hong Kong Chief Executive and the courts. The Chief Executive is often appointed by the Chinese government, which means that they are expected to follow China's instructions. Under the new FOO rules, Hong Kong courts do not have the power to conduct investigations and can only rely on the "surface evidence" provided by the Chinese government for review.
In other words, if the Chinese authorities fabricate false evidence, the suspect will have little chance of rebutting it.
/// Our Distance from "Crime"///
Do you think you are far from being a "criminal"? Lam Wing-kee Causeway Bay Books is an independent bookstore in Hong Kong known for publishing political books banned in mainland China. Shareholders of the bookstore, including Lui Por, Gui Minhai, store manager Lam Wing-kee, business manager Cheung Chi-ping, and operator Lee Bo, disappeared one after another between October and December 2015, in mainland China, Thailand, and even within Hong Kong.
In the winter of 1984, the Sino-British Joint Declaration was signed in Beijing, confirming Hong Kong's return to China. Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping proposed the "one country, two systems" policy, which meant that Hong Kong would be governed by Hong Kong people and that this policy would not change for 50 years. This policy was intended to ease Hong Kong people's concerns about the political ecology after the transfer of sovereignty, but it has become one of the reasons for Hong Kong people's concerns today.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return, and we are one step closer to the 50-year deadline in 2047. Looking back over the past 20 years, Hong Kong people have gone from initially trusting Beijing to gradually becoming increasingly skeptical due to events such as the Causeway Bay Books incident. Hong Kong people are more pessimistic because Beijing has not fully implemented the "one country, two systems" policy, and many promises regarding Hong Kong's democratization have not been fulfilled.
Therefore, many people believe that by 2047, which is 30 years from now, Hong Kong may become just an ordinary city in China. The work is a book without words, cut by laser. It expresses the artist's disappointment with the current political climate in Hong Kong.
Background:
The project is inspired by the idea of The Wordless Book and a video about invisible ink on YouTube. "The Wordless Book" refers to mysterious artifacts or symbols in ancient cultures that are believed to be carved or written by gods or prophets and cannot be understood by ordinary people. In Chinese traditional culture, it also refers to wonderful symbols or patterns left by ancient immortals or gods, which are said to have mysterious functions such as healing, divination, or spiritual awakening. In fact, these symbols or patterns may just be decorative works of art, or ancient texts or symbols that cannot be deciphered, so their true meanings and uses are still a mystery today.
However, if the meaning of the text cannot be achieved, it is no different from a decorative item. Therefore, the writer feels that the Basic Law of Hong Kong is effectively non-existent, and the existence of the text is meaningless.
Contextualization:
The artwork is going to satirizes the original capitalist system and way of life guaranteed by the Basic Law's "fifty years unchanged" clause. However, in the past 26 years, the Chinese government's control over Hong Kong has become increasingly dominant, rendering the Basic Law unnecessary. Investigation: For the investigation, I have chosen to gather some firsthand information, including personal feelings and experiences from attending a legal protest in Hong Kong a few years ago, conversations and impressions from private dinners with individuals of different political affiliations, as well as some secondhand information from Hong Kong documentaries, exhibitions on the Hong Kong political movement, political campaign materials, accurate news knowledge, and information from neutral and nonpartisan news organizations.
Exploration: This artwork also serves as a reminder of the struggle for autonomy in this city and the influence of external forces on its political landscape. It is also a reminder of my own identity and the need to not forget about this issue, and to prevent the "Anti-Extradition Law Movement" from being forgotten like the" June 4th incident".
Perhaps my exploration will only yield answers after the exhibition is over. How far can a political artwork circulate, and how much reaction will it receive? Will someone intentionally destroy the artwork? These are some of the things I want to explore .
Experimentation :
The focus of the experimentation is mainly on exploring various materials and textures and determining the best ways to showcase them in an exhibit. The interest lies in how different materials and textures can be used to create a sensory experience that engages the viewer and immerses them in the artwork. Through careful consideration of lighting and presentation, the aim is to highlight the unique characteristics of each material and texture and create a cohesive and impactful exhibition.
The goal is to push the boundaries of traditional art exhibition methods and create a dynamic and engaging space that invites viewers to explore and interact with the artwork.
Create:
The project outcome mainly aims to create a book with laser cut.
Background History ⊹Evolutionary history⊹ The evolutionary history of political movements is long and complex, with countless examples throughout human history.
French Revolution (1789-1799): The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France that began in 1789 and lasted for a decade. It was marked by the overthrow of the monarchy, the rise of democracy and nationalism, and the Reign of Terror.
Suffrage Movement (late 19th and early 20th centuries): The suffrage movement was a political campaign for women's right to vote and run for office. It gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and resulted in the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920.
Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s): The civil rights movement was a social and political movement in the United States that aimed to end racial discrimination and segregation against black Americans. It was marked by nonviolent protests, civil disobedience, and legislative and legal action, and led to the passage of key civil rights legislation.
Anti-war Movement (1960s-1970s): The anti-war movement was a political and social movement in opposition to the Vietnam War. It was marked by mass demonstrations, civil disobedience, and opposition to the military draft, and played a significant role in bringing an end to the war.
Environmental Movement (1960s-present): The environmental movement is a broad social and political movement that seeks to protect the natural environment and promote sustainable living. It has been marked by activism, advocacy, and legal action, and has resulted in significant environmental legislation and policy changes.
Arab Spring (2010-2012): The Arab Spring was a series of anti-government protests and uprisings that swept across several countries in the Middle East and North Africa. It was marked by demands for democracy, human rights, and economic reforms, and led to the overthrow of several authoritarian regimes.
Black Lives Matter Movement (2013-present): The Black Lives Matter movement is a political and social movement that seeks to end systemic racism and violence against black people in the United States. It has been marked by protests, civil disobedience, and advocacy for policy changes related to policing, criminal justice, and economic inequality.
History of Anti-Extradition Law Moment The Anti-Extradition Law Movement (AELM) began in March 2019 as a response to the Hong Kong government's proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill, which would allow extradition to mainland China. The proposed bill sparked concerns among Hong Kong citizens about the erosion of their autonomy and human rights, and led to mass protests and civil unrest that lasted for months.
The movement evolved over time, with various strategies and tactics employed by protesters and the government. Initially, protests were peaceful and included marches and rallies. As the government failed to respond to protesters' demands, demonstrations escalated to include more disruptive actions such as road blockades and clashes with police.
In June 2019, following a large-scale protest that resulted in violence between protesters and police, the Hong Kong government suspended the extradition bill, but protesters continued to call for its formal withdrawal and the investigation of police brutality. The movement also expanded to include broader demands for democratic reform, such as universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police conduct.
Throughout the AELM, protesters made use of social media and messaging apps to organize and spread information. The government, in turn, used a variety of tactics to suppress the movement, including arrests of protest leaders and the use of tear gas and other forms of crowd control.
The AELM had a significant impact on Hong Kong's political landscape and its relationship with China. The movement exposed deep divisions within Hong Kong society and highlighted the challenges of maintaining the "one country, two systems" framework that governs the relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China. Why there are political movements? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what makes it happen as there are too many factors. However, some common factors that have historically led to the formation of political movements include:
Injustice or inequality: Political movements often arise in response to perceived injustice or inequality in society, such as discrimination, oppression, or exploitation. This can include issues related to race, gender, class, or other forms of identity.
Economic hardship: Economic instability, poverty, and unemployment can lead to frustration and anger among a population, which can then fuel political movements that call for economic justice or reform.
Political repression: When a government suppresses political dissent or fails to address issues that are important to its citizens, it can create conditions that lead to the formation of political movements as people seek to challenge the status quo and demand change.
Cultural or social change: Changes in cultural or social norms can also lead to the formation of political movements. For example, movements for LGBTQ rights or environmental activism have arisen in response to changing attitudes and values in society.
⊹Philosophy⊹
Political and Philosophy are totally linked.
--->Social contract theory The core content of the social contract theory is that individuals give up some of their individual liberties and agree to be governed by a society in exchange for protection and benefits provided by that society. The theory suggests that the legitimacy of a government or political system is derived from the consent of the governed, and that the purpose of government is to promote the common good of society. The social contract theory has been used as a basis for many political philosophies and has influenced the development of modern democracies around the world.
--->Justice and equality
Political philosophers explore the concepts of justice and equality and how they apply to society. They investigate the fairness of laws, distribution of resources, and treatment of marginalized groups. --->Democracy For the term "Democracy", there are various of philosophers offered their own definitions and interpretations of the concept.
Plato: In his work "The Republic",, Plato expressed skepticism about democracy, viewing it as a system in which the ignorant masses hold power and make decisions based on their passions rather than reason. He argued that only philosopher-kings, who have knowledge of the true nature of reality, can govern justly.
Aristotle: Aristotle saw democracy as one of the forms of government, but he believed that it could only work effectively if the citizens were virtuous and well-educated. He also recognized the potential for tyranny of the majority in a democratic system.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau's concept of democracy is closely linked with his idea of the "general will," which refers to the collective will of the people as a whole. He argued that democracy can only be truly realized if individuals are able to participate directly in the political process, rather than delegating authority to representatives.
John Stuart Mill: Mill viewed democracy as a means of protecting individual freedom, arguing that it is the best system for allowing citizens to express their opinions and interests. He believed that democratic institutions should be designed to prevent the tyranny of the majority and protect the rights of minorities.
John Rawls: Rawls' concept of democracy is closely linked with his theory of justice. He argued that democratic institutions should be designed to ensure that all individuals have an equal say in the decision-making process, regardless of their social status or wealth. Rawls believed that democracy is the best system for promoting the common good and protecting individual rights.
⊹ Myths and Legends ⊹
⊹Art history⊹
Art and politics is linked together. Art can help to do communicate in the politics moments. There are a lot of revolutionary art which been used as a tool for politcal resistance and revolution.
"It" refers to Picasso's masterpiece, "Guernica," which depicts the fear, brutality, and sorrow of war. The painting stands as Picasso's silent outcry against the devastating bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
"The Third of May 1808" by Francisco Goya is a powerful critique of political violence and oppression painting. It depicts the execution of Spanish citizens by French soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars.
There is a lot of painting about war and politics moment. In the "Anti-Extradition Law Movement" there are a lot of different way of artworks. Include the song "Glory to Hong Kong" (Chinese: 願榮光歸香港)is a march that was composed and written by a musician under the pseudonym "Thomas dgx yhl", with the contribution of a group of Hongkonger netizens from the online forum LIHKG during the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests. In a lot of HongKonger mind, it became a new National anthem song. There are many HongKonger looking forward to this song becoming a real Hong Kong national anthem.
"All The Way With CCP" by Kacey Wong consists of a series of metal sculptures of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) symbol, with a line of people holding hands and forming a circle around them. The title is a play on the CCP's slogan "All the Way with the Party," and the installation is a critique of the CCP's influence in Hong Kong.
There are few documentary about the revolution, such as "Revolution of Our Times", Blue Island (2022)
How is art related to politics????
Art for art's sake
The slogan "art for art's sake, politics for politics' sake" may have originated from the aestheticism movement in 19th century France, which simplified German classical aesthetics and believed that art could solely focus on artistic techniques. However, the French writer Madame de Staël, who deeply influenced this way of thinking, offended the Napoleon regime and was exiled, giving her the opportunity to encounter Goethe and Schiller in Germany. Observing Madame de Staël's works, she speaks out on the oppression of women's rights under the aristocratic system and is not a docile lamb.
Another key point in the view of "art for art's sake" is that art itself is "purposeless". That is to say, it does not serve power, money, or the secular world. "Art no longer serves religion and morality, just as it does not serve pleasure and utility. Art is not a means, it is an end in itself." This quote is from the philosopher Victor Cousin.
However, one can see that when art is no longer willing to serve religion and morality, it is provocatively challenging them. If art does not want to serve politics, then the "purposelessness" behind it reveals its purpose: art should be free, unrestrained, and anti-authoritarian. From this perspective, the advocacy of "art for art's sake" also clearly has a highly political character. Its political character lies in its independence and provocation of politics.
In art history, it is difficult to find a creator who is truly isolated from politics in both their creative content and actual life. After a period of time, we found that the ill effects of "art for art's sake" often lead to a kind of immature slogan, such as excessive aesthetics and objectification, and the mistaken belief that "art should not involve politics." Friedrich Nietzsche believed that there is no art that is purely for art's sake. He questioned, "What is the use of all works of art? Don't they praise, recognize, choose, and emphasize something? ... Art is the best stimulant in life, how can it be understood as meaningless, aimless, and solely 'art for art's sake'?"
Contemporary
Theory - Methodology:
Outcome
I intend to create a book using laser cutting techniques, and it will be focused on the Hong Kong Basic Law. The book is one outcome of the project. Another possible outcome could involve audience participation, such as whether their actions might impact the artwork and create a different perspective. This uncertainty about the potential influence of the audience is the biggest unknown aspect of the project.
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