As the 10th anniversary of the Umbrella Movement approached, a group of Hong Kong photographers brought their 2019 Lennon Wall documentation to London for an exhibition on September 21st, 2024. The previous year, they had held the first Lennon Wall photo exhibition in Toronto, attracting over 1,000 visitors. In September, they sent the photos to London and personally visited, hoping to "reunite" with Hong Kongers in the UK.
Curator Grogu noted, "It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since the Umbrella Movement," reflecting on the first Lennon Wall in 2014. By 2019, during the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement, "Blossom Everywhere" had spread across all 18 districts of Hong Kong and appeared in communities worldwide, showcasing the pursuit of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Toronto and London were major destinations for Hong Kong emigrants. The simultaneous exhibitions aimed to connect Hong Kong communities globally. On the opening day, a live broadcast allowed Hong Kongers in both cities to interact. NGO DEI had sponsored the exhibition since the previous year. Founder Loretta Lau emphasized that the Lennon Wall was a "world-class creation" symbolizing the Hong Kong protest movement.
The previous year, Toronto’s Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik attended, urging Hong Kongers to fight for human rights. That year, the exhibition continued raising funds for the "Bonham Tree Aid," supporting those imprisoned. Curator Kaos hoped the exhibition would highlight the Lennon Wall’s history and the ongoing fight for democracy. The Toronto exhibition also featured related activities, exploring the meaning of "freedom of self-expression."
