Protesters in Hong Kong get tattooed

An umbrella. A flower of bauhinia. A bleeding eye.

Tattoos are the next step, illustrating the creativity of the protesters and their ongoing commitment to the movement. While last weekend's protests were largely peaceful, the violence of the past two months has intensified on both sides.

A local tattoo artist, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, offered free Hong Kong-themed tattoos throughout the month of July. The drawings included the bauhinia flower on the emblem and the flag of the territory, as well as two cleverly arranged Chinese characters that designate either "Hong Kong" or "add oil" – a rallying cry local – depending on the direction they face.

The tattooist estimates that about 100 people have accepted his offer. Some, he said, were simply attracted to the free tattoo, but others got inked as a symbol of their dedication to the movement. A client told him that he wanted to commemorate the event and pass on the story to his children.

Another image that gained notoriety among the protesters is that of a bloody eye or an eye patch, which quickly spread after the eye of an eye. protestor was seriously injured on 11 August. Protesters say the police shot him with a projectile.. The next day, thousands of people occupied the landing area at the city's international airport, posters and signs describing the injury. Police say she's still investigating the incident.

The picture also inspired the tattoos. A striking drawing, published on Instagram by tattoo artist Rich Phipson, based in Hong Kong, shows an eye drawn in thick black lines, a drop of blood falling from the pupil.

The client who had her eyes tattooed, a 30-year-old woman who asked to be called Cjai for safety reasons, said she did so in the honor of the wounded woman and "innocent civilians" who were "mercilessly wounded" by the police. .

"Part of that is that I want to remember the darkness in Hong Kong – but another part is the sacrifice and the efforts made by the Hong Kong people," Cjai said in an Instagram message.

Umbrellas have continued to be protested in recent months, often acting as shields against tear gas. riot police.

Yellow umbrellas have become particularly ubiquitous with the pro-democracy movement, appearing on posters, social media and public mosaics of Post-It, nicknamed the walls of Lennon.

Lam estimates that more than 100 people have been tattooed with his protest-themed creations, which he also offered for free in June and July.

"Some customers become (the tattoos) for the same reason that I proposed to them – they want to commemorate that moment and all that they saw, "Lam said in a phone interview. This tattoo can help them remember Hong Kong today, from what happened. They want to express how much they love Hong Kong, love this place. "

The protesters chose a range of other designs, ranging from Chinese script tattoos bearing the words "Never give up" to the tattoos of protective helmets worn during demonstrations. Rachel Lam, a 21-year-old girl, even had a tattoo of a girl wearing a gas mask surrounded by tear gas, a reference to the abundant amounts of gas fired by police this summer.

A tattoo of a gas mask and tear gas in Hong Kong. Credit: Cattoys.tattoo/Instagram

"This tattoo represents my dream, which I will never forget," Lam told CNN in an Instagram post, adding that she had been hit with tear gas at recent protests.

Tattoos have long been taboo in Hong Kong because they were closely associated with organized crime groups known as triads. However, in recent years, perceptions have changed as tattoos have become more popular.

There is a growing number of tattoo artists in the city, and a decidedly fanciful local style emerged.

Protest tattoos are public statements of dedication and conviction – particularly striking at a time when most protesters are trying to hide their identities.

Many wear face masks and goggles to hide their faces during demonstrations and fear being identified by cameras or other tracking methods. This fear of being caught has increased as the authorities cracked down and carried out hundreds of arrests – but the permanence of the tattoos will forever link the protesters to the movement.

Zada Lam said that in addition to offering people a way to express their beliefs, protest tattoos are a reminder of the community, and hundreds of thousands of people who have paraded throughout the summer.

"You can remember how many people have come together, I think it's a positive thing to make people understand that you're not alone." Everyone is standing by you, everyone supports you Everyone, that's what my customers and I, "he said.

A protester, who asked to be named Sia for fear of being identified, said her tattoo "Made in Hong Kong" reflected the feeling of unity she felt.

"I hope that when I grow up and look at the tattoo on my body, I will remember the beauty of Hong Kong right now, the way the Hong Kong people are united," she said. an Instagram message.

"It's Hong Kong that I've known since I was small until now."

Young students and teenagers have become the face of the movement – they are often on the front line protests and are prominent figures of political parties like Demosisto. Many of those who get tattooed appear to be young. – but the artists CNN spoke with also said they have clients from other demographic groups and from various parts of society, a sign of the importance of support for the movement.

According to Zada ​​Lam, some customers are between 40 and 50 years old. Some even work for the Hong Kong government, which protesters accuse of inaction and delirium. These government employees feel less able than young people to be on the front lines, so they get tattooed, he said.

On Lam's Instagram page, the tattooist shares anonymous messages from Hong Kong protesters under captions next to provocative tattoos.