Ho Tam, Octagonal vase with man in front of a military tank (FC-023) (2025)

Ho Tam  
Octagonal vase with man in front of a military tank (FC-023) 
2025  
inkjet on glossy photo paper  
edition of 5  
22 x 17 inches
unframed
 
 
Octagonal vase are often associated with commemorative and sacrifcial rituals. The image on this vase is taken from an iconic image of the man who stood in front of a column of tanks trying to dissuade them from entering Tiananmen Square.
 
The incident is commonly known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre. It occurred on June 4, 1989, due to the student uprising in the capital city demanding the democratization of the country. The uprising generated supports all over China. Military troops were eventually called upon to crack down the peaceful demonstrations by force in the Square where the protestors occupied for two months.
 
It was estimated that hundreds were killed and more were wounded in the incident. Although China has not admitted or apologized for its action till this date, the incident was well documented in international media. It also led to an exodus of the Chinese to oversea because of the fear for persecution and overall despair towards the Communist regime.
 
The Tank Man, or the Unknown Protester, is the nickname of the anonymous man who stood in front of the tanks. Little is known about him or of his fate after that day.