The Art of the Umbrella Movement

Credits

HONG KONG — Born of political frustrations, Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement has blossomed into a vibrant exhibition of the artistry and inventiveness of the city’s youth. Pro-democracy demonstrators are transforming a major swath of the city into a canvas, with much of the imagery focused on the protesters’ adopted symbol: the umbrella.

The photos below were taken at Admiralty, the main protest site surrounding the government headquarters.

All photos Matt Sheehan for The WorldPost.

lennon wallNamed for the Beatles legend and protest icon, the “Lennon Wall” is a colorful collage of sticky notes with handwritten messages from democracy demonstrators.

umbrella paintingAn intricately illustrated umbrella shows the skyline entwined with flowers.

umbrella roofumbrella roof 2Demonstrators have created a canopy of umbrellas in a skybridge at the heart of the Admiralty demonstrations.

umbrella man frontumbrella manThe Umbrella Man statue, created by local artist Milk, sets the gold standard for major installation art.

weaverDemonstrators recycle old T-shirts into woven mats that they give to people sleeping on the concrete.

listen to our thoughtA popular poster from the demonstrations expresses students’ desire to be heard.

helmetsAs clashes with police have grown more intense, protesters have geared up but maintained an artistic flare.

umbrella standThis installation art was one of the early pieces of umbrella-themed art to pop up at Admiralty.

figurinesSmall umbrella-wielding figurines now sit at the base of the umbrella installation.

ken tsangThis poster by local artist Tiffany Cheetah commemorates Ken Tsang, a demonstrator whose beating by Hong Kong police sparked outcry last week.

plant“Freedom to Speak — Freedom to Grow.” A delicately engraved plant sits atop the divider on Connaught Road.