THE YEAR OF THE AWAKENED: PHOTOGRAPHER IVAN NG TAKES US TO HONG KONG STREET PROTESTS WITH HIS PHOTOGRAPHY
INTERVIEW BY IRVIN RIVERA
For over a year now, Hong Kongers have been demonstrating the power of people’s solidarity towards change. It is a constantly evolving and moving assembly of hope, fear, passion, nationalism, pride, anger, fuelled by the collective energy and desire for something better.
Amidst the thick of the protests, documentary photographer Ivan Ng (@tao033) recorded moments from various fractions of these simultaneous events. Ng shared with us his viewpoints and first-hand experiences within the protests. HE was generous enough to share some images that will take us in the middle of the action, among people clamoring for change, among groups fighting for a revolution, within a country holding on to their embers of hope.
Hong Kong’s protests started in June 2019 against plans to allow extradition to mainland China. It was triggered by the introduction of the Fugitive Offenders amendment Bill by the Hong Kong Government.
Ivan left his job in California and went to Hong Kong as soon as he learned about the protests.
Photography: IVAN NG
“Whether or not Hong Kongers achieve victory, the worst possible outcome is to do nothing, to not take action.”
This interview paints a slice of the powerful, yet surreal picture of the protests in Hong Kong from a photographer’s perspective. These are some powerful imagery that blurs the layers of age, gender and social status.
From your own perspective, can you share what is really happening in Hong Kong and how are the developments like?
Colonial Hong Kong got handed back to China from the United Kingdom under the condition that it would remain autonomous with Universal Suffrage (elections) granted to the city in the foreseeable future. 23 years later, the city still waits for its chance to vote for their leaders like how it’s peers in Taiwan or the United States could. Instead, its people slowly lose their human rights and civil liberty as laws and tax money benefits the entirety of China's political agenda and it’s people more. Over the years, Pro Beijing Government officials slowly gain power and infiltrate local authorities and it became harder and harder for Hong Kongers to have representation. 2019 was not the first year Hong Kongers fought for universal suffrage, representation, and anti-Communist Chinese ideas. But the more Hong Kongers fought, the more the decays and facade of the so-called democratic government surfaces; and the faster it transforms into a police state.
What inspired you to go to Hong Kong again? Were you inspired to go back as soon as the protests started?
I’ve been following the protests since the very beginning when it broke out, I’ve watched my people time and time again face increasing levels of (police) violence and suppression. I realized that this is it, the outcomes of this revolution will affect the long-term future of Hong Kong, my home, and to me, a priceless gem of our time that we need to protect.
No matter the outcome, this movement has already permanently earned its place in the history books of future generations. It means so much to me that I knew I would regret and detest myself if I chose to just sit out and be an observer. Whether or not Hongkongers achieve victory, the worst possible outcome is to do nothing, to not take action.
My family immigrated to Hong Kong in the early 2000’s, my parent’s sacrifice paid off after we earned citizenship in the US. However, my heart would always be left in Hong Kong, the fact that it’s my home would not change as I grew up and moved into the working class. I go back every year, to see friends and family and to vacation, my plan to return in late 2019 was bumped up, I decided to drop everything, quit my job and return to Hong Kong to record what was happening.
Photography: IVAN NG
You’ve been there in HongKong for a few months now. How was it since you came there in the beginning of the protests?
The last time I was back in Hong Kong prior to the events was early 2019 during Chinese New Year. The time bomb, built up by years of unaddressed societal and political problems due to a government that doesn’t truly represent and act for its people was yet to explode. Back then things were peaceful, Hongkongers woke up, went to work, went home, ate, and played as usual (even though that was just how things seem like on the surface).
So when I returned for the protest, instantly the pressure could be felt. Security personnel could be seen everywhere, law enforcement agents stand in the middle of entry points at the airport as opposed to idly on the side like it has been in the past. The atmosphere feels thick and uneasy, since I know undercover cops could be anywhere, anytime, the person next to you could be an informant or officer assigned to tail or collect info on any young or suspecting individuals. Graffiti, posters, decorated storefronts supporting the protest movements are everywhere, to me they look beautiful and I accepted it as a new normal of the city’s pop culture and aesthetics. Anywhere you go you would suddenly see a group of green uniform police officers, face hidden, in full gear standing at a corner, maybe looking at you. I wouldn't say it felt discomforting, but rather disgusted by the fact they would be out to ruin my mood on what could be a great day.
Since then the city has gotten used to it as protests continue, police got better at covert operations so aside from occasional graffitis, new posters, and decorated storefronts, it seems like as if the city was mostly functioning normal, but small protest and police confrontations would erupt in small pockets. The overall atmosphere of the city remains vigilant, but contrary to a normal society, people feel safer when there is no police presence.
As a photographer who has been documenting the events for a while now, do you feel a sense of social responsibility in documenting the events and sharing it on social media?
Yes, because all my photos are first hand content, they are taken by me, someone that is at the very front, and I have the power to distort and mislead the truth. The work I share is also sensitive content and at times “evidence.”
What I share and what I say along with it have consequences to what message the audience receives as well as other consequences.
I share on my own personal platform so it is only right I say whatever I want about what's happening in my photos. But if I often don’t share in an unbiased POV, it could discredit me as a photographer that is documenting a series of events.
At the same time, it is natural that others (people outside of Hong Kong) will ask me questions about the protest since they know I was experiencing it firsthand. Telling lies or fabricated truths will discredit those that appeared in my photographs. Also, I will never turn them into my own tool to pursue personal agendas.
My main goal is to share to the world what is happening in Hong Kong and the beauty of it all through my photography.
Is photography your own way of protest?
Yes, a big reason why I returned was because I felt guilty not doing anything. I felt guilty being safe and comfortable in the States. Everyone throughout the movement contributed the most they could, chefs cook meals for people out in the streets, artists create posters and graphics promoting the cause, those with cars offer rides, and so on. With photography being my best talent, it would be my means of protesting. Foreign journalists like Michael Yom and more have been banned entry into Hong Kong for their excellent coverage of the protest, the less the media knows about Hong Kong, the happier the Hong Kong government would be.
How do you think photography has impacted / influenced the world’s view of the events happening there
Many would compare the series of events as the second coming of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. In many ways it was similar, people fighting for and defending western values against a totalitarian regime that defaulted to suppression to solve its political problems. The protestors back then were disadvantaged, since the regime’s control of the media makes it hard for them to communicate their message, and if they succeed in communicating their message, it could be distorted by the regime or misunderstood due to language barriers. Reporters and photojournalists bury their journals and reels in China, then return for them at a later day in order to prevent what they recorded to be seized and disappear.
But today in Hong Kong’s case, many protesters are fluent in English. Reporters, journalists, and media from around the world, protected by Hong Kong’s 4th Amendment of Free Speech and Press, archives every event and every detail of this movement. China’s usual method to suppress protestors and manipulate outsider’s views of what's happening was extremely ineffective due to the ability of the people and free press being able to report and express freely using the free internet.
The many photos and videos of protestors covering city blocks, moving together, throwing smokes and fire wearing gas masks and helmets created scenery that struck the audience with awe. Many clips of the Hong Kong Police unleashing what many westerners recognize as police brutality earned Hongkongers much support. If it weren't for these media coverages coming out of Hong Kong, there wouldn't be international pressure that prevented Tiananmen Square Massacre 2.0.
The method of Hongkongers protests is extremely creative, innovative, and modern. many protests movements around the world would model their movements after Hong Kong’s, as seen in Catalonia and Chile in the same year.
How often do you get to shoot on the streets?
I get to shoot anytime and anything I want and could. I left my job in the US, so as long as I am good financially, I don’t have any major responsibility or schedule conflicts in Hong Kong.
Do you shoot with a group of people or do you shoot alone?
At first I was alone, I planned to be out by myself every time until I learned that an old photographer friend of mine had joined the front ranks of his school’s media group. We would then arrange to go out together to photograph the protests. Over time I met other photographer/journalist friends at the frontline (it’s a small circle). We would then often charge into the front lines together. After a few of us were unjustifiably and wrongfully arrested at the “Siege of Poly U” we decided to start our own media company called Flash Media. Since then we would cover entire protests as a team, taking records of historical times in Hong Kong.
Technically we were “bros” (and “sis”) that went through “war” together, even if after we went back to our own lives, our friendship will definitely last a lifetime.
What is the most challenging thing that you’ve encountered so far?
At first I was really worried about my own personal safety, since at the time I returned Hong Kong had become a very dangerous place, especially for young people. But luckily I kept myself up to date and connected so I was able to keep myself safe.
The most difficult challenge for me would be supporting myself financially. Since I quit my job my savings had been slowly dwindling. My parents never supported me doing this so would often pressure me to go back to the states and work a normal, and stable job--and not worry about what is happening back in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Government kept touting that it respects the Basic Law and the freedom of press, but the Hong Kong Police would still always find ways to disrupt us. They push reporters far away from where they arrest a person, at times pepper spray reporters and journalists. Many would treat journalists with really bad attitudes and call us names.
What is your goal in sharing your images?
Many see protests as obtrusive, sometimes aggressive and reflect the negativity of human nature when it gets out of hand.
But Hong Kong’s style of protest was done very different; very different, in fact, that many parts of the world learns from Hong Kong when it comes to protesting, maybe even rioting.
Many media outlets talk about the situation, or the chaos that can be seen during protests in Hong Kong. Through my photos, I want the audience to see how the protests work together, look out for one another, how they cover themselves in all black to work as a team, and just how cool and awesome the new strategy and look is like by wearing gas masks.
It is very difficult nowadays to get the younger generation to pay attention to politics, or problems relating to politics. I learned that it is easier for the younger generation to become a captive audience if they encounter cool photos and videos that are impactful and “cool” to share. Hopefully, with my images, it can not only raise awareness but also do my part of documenting this historical moment of my people.
How would you differentiate the portraits you take in California to the portraits you shoot in Hong Kong?
Beside the fact that my portraits are planned and posed, and my photojournalist work are candid and sudden.
All my work, regardless of genre, takes the best of color, light, and composition to inspire, or install a moment of positivity and inspiration.
How much do you enjoy reportage work?
Before coming back to Hong Kong, my specialty in photography is portraiture and products. I would create images with everything placed perfectly and beautifully. Reportage work is completely different, you have to wait and also anticipate moments. Your eyes also have to be constantly scanning for interesting human to human interactions of juxtaposition of objects and people. Luckily I also shoot street and events too so for the most part it can be the same. The more I photographed this movement, the more I enjoyed reportage work. Because I am retelling a story or special moment that many could relate to, but in either an artistic or humorous way.
I enjoyed reportage work even more when the pandemic started and life in Hong Kong began to transform (again). I began taking more and more photos that highlight new societal issues and changes using creative composition and juxtaposition. Taking photos of social issues allows many including myself to relate and keep track of history in an artistic way, which makes historical moments more memorable.
Which photograph is your favorite among all that you’ve taken and why?
If i have to choose one, this one would be my favorite:
These 3 protesters were completely doused inside a cloud of tear gas, on the day the photo was taken, over 2000 cans of tear gas canisters were fired in a single day when protesters were defending The Chinese University of Hong Kong from the Hong Kong Police Force. The air inside the school was nothing but toxic, these 3 boys happened to be outside of the cloud and can be seen having each other’s back. The simplicity of this photo was able to show many characteristics of frontlines. Tear gas, young and brave warriors in gears, umbrellas which are not only symbolic to the pro democracy movement in Hong Kong but something they learn to effectively use.
IVAN NG Is a Portrait and Documentary photographer. You can view his works at
https://www.instagram.com/tao033/ and https://www.ivanngimagery.com/projects/
For additional reference and reading
