Curated by NGO Dei, Human Rights in the Picture in collaboration with The Hague Humanity Hub and venue partner Amare.
As the NATO summit is set to take place in The Hague, Hong Kong human rights art organisation NGO DEI has joined forces with the Municipality of The Hague, international humanitarian platform Humanity Hub and Human Rights in the Picture to present a major exhibition titled “Humanity in Times of Tension”. The exhibition is a key event of the official “Road to Summit” program and opened on the evening of June 11 at Amare, the city’s landmark contemporary art and music centre, attracting over a hundred attendees in a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Co-curated by NGO DEI, this is the first time a Hong Kong overseas art organisation has curated an exhibition in a NATO host city, directly addressing themes of war, authoritarianism, and international human rights. Mayor of The Hague Jan van Zanen was present to show support and urged the public to stay informed about global affairs. The exhibition is also supported by the Municipality of The Hague, the Just Peace Festival, Leiden University, and various human rights organisations.
Marking the sixth anniversary of Hong Kong’s anti-extradition movement, NGO DEI founder and curator Loretta Lau raised a piercing question during the opening ceremony:“Do we still remember how Hongkongers once fought back?”She noted that activist Joshua Wong was recently prosecuted again from behind bars — a stark reminder that injustice still prevails today. “As authoritarianism spreads and war escalates, we must stay vigilant, monitor power, and speak up for freedom and the oppressed.”
The exhibition is divided into seven thematic areas: Justice, Peace, Freedom, Memory, Identity, Land, and War. Featured artists hail from Ukraine, Myanmar, South Africa, Congo, the U.S., Greece, and more — offering a diverse range of styles. Several Hong Kong artists are also participating, including Lumli Lumlong, Missy Hyper, vawongsir, and Ricker Choi.
Lumli Lumlong created a new work for the exhibition, titled “Pietà (Lullaby)”, continuing their artistic reflections on freedom and war. The piece explores the looming spectre of a “Third World War” and uses art to remind viewers that freedom should never be taken for granted — it must be fiercely protected.
In addition to the main exhibition, NGO DEI’s gallery in The Hague, which has been undergoing renovations for the past six months, it was reopened on June 14 with the first European solo show by Missy Hyper (茜利妹), titled:“The Freedom that I Breathe.”Supported by the Municipality of The Hague and the Just Peace Festival, this is the first officially supported solo exhibition by an exiled Hong Kong artist.
Missy Hyper also presented at the exhibition and will share her creative journey with visitors throughout the exhibition period.
The exhibition will feature two new works:
The opening event also included a special screening of the award-winning short film “Home Kong”, starring Missy Hyper. The film, which could not be shown in mainland China or Hong Kong, offers a glimpse into the lives of Hongkongers in exile.
Amare, The Hague
11–26 June 2025
Photo Credit: Chun Yao Lin
