In recalling the events and protests of 1989 and the pro-democracy movements in China through memorabilia and artworks, Censored Memories aims to keep the memories alive. In reminding ourselves of these pivotal moments of history, we affirm our commitment to safeguarding the right to remember and to resisting the forces that seek to obliterate them.

The exhibition will launch on 29 May with an evening of discussion and music from Yinfi (因非), a London-based music producer, vocalist, and screen music composer from China. Yinfi has been creating music advocating for civil liberties suppressed by authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing after he came to the UK to study in 2018. His advocacy has resulted in ostracism within the screen music industry, both in China and internationally, and triggered various forms of transnational repression by Chinese authorities, convincing him that returning to his homeland would jeopardise his safety. Despite these intimidations, Yinfi remains steadfast in his belief that singing songs for human rights louder is the best way to counter the fear imposed by Chinese authorities and protect artistic freedom. 

The songs Yinfi will perform on the night are reproduced below.

Memory Is A Crime

(A Cantonese song by Anthony Wong written for the 30th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Protests. Composer: Tats Lau. Lyricist: Albert Leung)

In the days of yore, perhaps one would ask the heavens, How could they allow the destruction of beliefs, as cherished as they are vast? But now, don't bother asking, if there's the courage to openly commemorate. Plundered by reality, how can one blame the heavens?

If even candlelight is deemed sinful, darkness will linger for decades more. If scars possess spirits, they remain unchanged. Even if memories are deemed sinful, how dare truth remain silent? If history hides someone, they will surely be discovered.

Now, if one were to ask them, would they regret marching too far ahead in the parade? They would say the path has decayed, and danger is feared. Now, if one were to ask me, why I wish to commemorate, I would say even if flames have flickered out, there will always be smoke.

If even candlelight is deemed sinful, darkness will linger for decades more, If scars possess spirits, they remain unchanged. Even if memories are deemed sinful, how dare truth remain silent? If history hides someone, they will surely be discovered.

The heavens need not defend themselves, only fear that people will forget their words. The earth knows not of warmth or cold, existing without thoughts. History only moves forward, giving people insomnia for thirty years. Now, the world-weary youth, don't ask the heavens.

If one raises an umbrella, for whose fate do they mourn? In the square, so many farewells, With the burden of guilt, who crafted such sacrifice? May the voices in the square never go unheard.

It’s My Duty

(My original Mandarin song dedicated to the memories and human rights defenders’ names erased by Chinese authorities. The lyrics are adapted from a young Chinese student's speech during the White Paper Movement, representing the younger generation’s tribute to the 1989 Tiananmen demonstrations.)

We are the abandoned ones in the square
We are sprouts regrowing after wildfire
We sink into the Yangtze river   We are buried under the Harmony trains

We are frenemies on the bus in Guizhou
We are troublemakers in the Urumqi fire
We are the low-end ones wandering in the prosperity
We are foreign forces shouting in dark cells

We are Hong Kongers deprived of homes
We are Tibetans deprived of loved ones
We are the last generation    We are Uyghurs deprived of freedom

We are Liu Xiaobo    We are Ilham Tohti   We are Ding Jiaxi    We are Program Think   We are Li Qiaochu    We are Huang Xueqin   We are Xu Zhiyong    We are Wang Jianbing   We are Jimmy Lai    We are Joshua Wong   We are Gwyneth Ho   We are Chow Hang-tung   We are Zhang Zhan   We are Gao Zhisheng   We are Li Wenliang   We are Peng Lifa

We once stood in front of tanks   We once became the Bridge Man
We keep the glimmer of freedom today
We'll take it back to the northern square tomorrow

It's my duty    It's still my duty      It's my duty    It's still my duty

Vows to June

(My original Mandarin song, using a poem by the Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo as lyrics, dedicated to Tiananmen Mothers. Composer: Yinfi, Lyricist: Liu Xiaobo)

Those who flee from freedom survive, Their souls languish in fear.
Those who yearn for freedom perish, Their souls ablaze with defiance.
Thoughts torn asunder, leaving scars unseen.

A voice silenced for far too long, Speaks the tale of the grave.
Candles wounded by time's cruel hand, Illuminate the desolation of souls in fear.

Eyes of freedom's souls meet those of mothers.
Mothers' gaze unwavering, resolute,
Flows with each passing spring.
Mothers' vows to June,
Let the shadows sigh,
And let the stones fly.

Your Unknown Place

Tahir Hamut Izgil (translated by Joshua Freeman)

Here people’s names were not contagious,

we said they were, it came to be.

There was no sand here growing roots,

we said there was, it came to be.

Here time did not drip from the walls,

we said it did, it came to be.

Here loneliness did not multiply,

we said it did, it came to be.

Here a thousand eyes did not fleck the skies,

we said they did, it came to be.

Here there were no fugitive forgettings,

we said there were, it came to be.

Yet our words could undo nothing here,

even the things we brought to be.

February 2016, Ürümchi

(The symbolic anthem of the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy movements written by dgx and many other participants.)

We pledge: No more tears on our land,
In wrath, doubts dispell’d we make our stand.
Arise! Ye who would not be slaves again:
For Hong Kong, may Freedom reign!

Though deep is the dread that lies ahead,
Yet still, with our faith, on we tread.
We keep our heads up, our voices strong
For Hong Kong, may Glory reign!

Stars may fade, as darkness fills the air,
Through the mist a solitary trumpet flares:
Stand with us! For Freedom we fight, with all might we strike!
With valour, wisdom both, we stride!'

Break now the dawn, liberate our Hong Kong,
In common breath: Revolution of our times!
May people reign, proud and free, now and evermore,
Glory be to thee, Hong Kong!