Hong Kong artist wields a paintbrush at Hong Kong mass protests

SUMMARY

For 53-year-old Perry Dino, a paintbrush and canvas are weapons for opposing the Hong Kong government as it faces mass protests against a now-suspended bill that would allow extraditions to mainland China. Since he started doing protest artwork in 2012, Dino has joined the annual June 4 Tiananmen vigil and he made 25 paintings during the 2014 umbrella movement when protesters paralysed parts of the financial hub for 79 days. Dino, a part-time teacher, says he hopes that when Hong Kong has true democracy, he can donate his artwork to a "democracy progression museum."

By ReutersJul 1, 2019 12:00:09 PM IST (Updated)

Artist Perry Dino looks at his "July 1 Protest" paintings in Hong Kong. For 53-year-old Perry Dino, a paintbrush and canvas are weapons for opposing the Hong Kong government as it faces mass protests against a now-suspended bill that would allow extraditions to mainland China. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Dino, who has painted many of Hong Kong's social movements including the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement in 2014, considers it important to record what is happening in the Chinese-ruled city. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

"89 64 30, in honour of the Tiananmen 30th anniversary on June 4th, 2019" and "Four Umbrella Movement activists at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre" by artist Perry Dino are seen at his studio, in Hong Kong. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Hong Kong's government has indefinitely suspended the bill that would allow criminal suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. However, activists, mostly students in face masks, hard-hats and goggles, are demanding the bill be fully withdrawn. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

The bill has seen millions of people, fearing erosion of freedoms promised when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997, throng the streets in protest, plunging the former British colony into a political crisis. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Dino, a part-time teacher, says he hopes that when Hong Kong has true democracy, he can donate his artwork to a "democracy progression museum." REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Artist Perry Dino paints "No Extradition to China Road Worship to Hero in Pacific Place" at his studio, in Hong Kong. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Since he started doing protest artwork in 2012, Dino has joined the annual June 4 Tianamen vigil and he made 25 paintings during the 2014 umbrella movement when protesters paralysed parts of the financial hub for 79 days. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu