Calling out trasnational repression through art
Lumli Lumlong . Badiucao . vawongsir
June 27th – July 10th
For opening dates and timings see further below.
The Old Crypt, St John’s Waterloo
Waterloo Road
London Se1 8TY
Making art is a defining and treasured trait of being human. Its story is not only weaved into the that of humankind but showcases its essence and wonder – spiritual, philosophical, functional, decorative, conceptual. It is utterly human.
A string of ignominious episodes in history tell of those who recognised the unique power of creative expression and sought to crush it. Again and again, it’s been judged an enemy of subjugation and a mortal danger to despots. A clear case is the Chinese Communist Party’s repression of its peoples’ right to freedom of expression. This has been widely documented, from the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre and the more recent Uyghur genocide in Xinjiang to the countless number of writers and artists locked up in jails or under house arrest.
However, few realise that its ceaseless attempts to stifle all criticism of the party and country extend beyond its borders, including into Europe. According to Freedom House, the CPP is currently conducting the most sophisticated, global campaign of transnational repression in the world.
The aim of this exhibition is to highlight the CCP’s transnational repression in Europe by and through the works and stories of dissident artists. It aims not only to warn but also to celebrate those who, whilst in forced exile, keep facing down the long arm of censorship with the vigour of artistic expression.