Against The Tide is a year-long photo project that documents the determination, collectivity, and strengthening of Hong Kong’s identity in the city from 2019-2020. It offers a visual documentation of the creative tactics employed by the protesters, showcasing their dedication to a common goal during this critical period of democratic awakening.

Before the handover of Hong Kong in 1997, China promised to maintain the city’s capitalist system and preserve the freedoms not found in mainland Chinese cities for 50 years. However, at the midpoint of the transition period, the Chinese government began increasingly encroaching on Hong Kong’s political system and cracking down on dissent.

In June 2019, large-scale protests erupted, initially demanding the withdrawal of an extradition bill that would have allowed suspects from Hong Kong to be extradited to China. Over time, these protests evolved into a pro-democracy movement, encompassing social grievances and criticising China’s repression of Hong Kong’s freedoms.

Against The Tide presents a series of photographs that encapsulate the essence of this historic juncture. These images document the diverse range of tactics employed by the protesters, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and unity in the face of adversity. Ranging from massive peaceful demonstrations to human chains, school strikes, surrounding police stations, violent clashes with the police on the streets and university sieges, each photograph tells a story of how the people of Hong Kong unite in their pursuit of democratic values and the preservation of their rights and freedoms.

Thousands of protesters poured into the streets of Hong Kong to raise their five demands to the government on January 1 2020.

Hundreds of Hong Kong students united outside their campus, boycotting the first day of term as a symbol of solidarity to the protest on September 9 2019

On October 20 2019, protesters are escaping from the riot police officers in Yau Ma Tei Hong Kong.

On November 10 2019, protesters were arrested by riot police officers in Sha Tin Hong Kong.

On August 31 2019, protesters react as police fire tear gas outside the government headquarter in Admiralty Hong Kong.

On August 5 2019, protesters put out tear gas grenades using traffic cones in Admiralty Hong Kong.

On August 25 2019, a protestor returns a tear gas canister to police officers in Tsuen Wan Hong Kong.

On September 6 2019, police fires rubber bullets to disperse protesters surrounding the Prince Edward police station in Hong Kong.

On November 18 2019, two protesters are resting on a sofa during the siege of Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

On November 17 2019, protesters set alight a bridge separating them from riot police officers outside Hong Kong Polytechnic University.