Vietnamese Boat People in Macao is a special and moving photography exhibition by Chan Weng Hon taking place at 1844 Macau Photography Art Space. It features 42 pictures taken by local photographer Chan Wen Hon during the 70s and the 80s. It’s the artist’s first solo exhibition and his images narrate the lives of Vietnamese boat people in Macau during this time, reflecting the living conditions and the temporary settlements of Vietnamese refugees. The exhibition was curated by Ieong Man Pan, Kim Chan, Weng Io Wong and Haruka Lau. Chan Weng Hon, who “accidentally” became a reporter in 1980 and has worked in newsrooms, TV stations and government departments since then.
The exhibition shows the reality of living for Vietnamese Boat People at the time. It represents a record of the historical moment for Macau when it was once the “port of first asylum”. The scenes documented in the photos are mostly about the lifestyle and the environment of the refugees.
The conflict between China and Vietnam occurred between 1978 and 1979, when large numbers of Vietnamese refugees escaped into Macau and other countries that consisted of asylum. On 27th July in 1978, at the request of the United Nations, Macau announced the establishment of a temporary camp for Vietnamese refugees. At that time, there were three places in Macau where traces of refugees could be found, including the area of Ilha Verde, Taipa (now the Scout Association of Macau) and Ka Ho Refugee Centre (now Salesian Youth Ministry of Macau).
When: October 30–December 14, 2018
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 11:00am–1:00pm; 2:00pm–6:00pm
Where: 1844 Macau Photography Art Space, 17 Edificio Loi Fat, Lojas A e B, R/C Rua do Infante, Macau
How much: Free admission
For additional information, check the event’s Facebook page or the 1844 Macau Photography Art Space’s Facebook page
