Ho Tam, Plate with Uyghur protest mask (FC-025) (2025)

Ho Tam  
Plate with Uyghur protest mask (FC-025) 
2025  
inkjet on glossy photo paper  
edition of 5  
22 x 17 inches
unframed
 
 
The Uyghurs are a Turkic ethnic group originating from and culturally affiliated with the general region of Central and East Asia. They are the largest ethnicity in the Xinjiang Province in China. Islam has played an important role in their culture and identity. 
 
Since 2014, the Uyghurs have been affected by extensive controls and restrictions upon their religious, cultural, economic and social lives. Surveillance is deployed to watch for signs of “religious extremism” that include owning books about Uyghurs, growing a beard, having a prayer rug, or quitting smoking or drinking. 
 
Further, the Uyghurs are subjected to widespread abuses an genocide that include forced sterilization and forced labour. It is estimated that at least one million Uyghurs are detained in re-education camps, aimed at changing their political thinking, identities, and religious beliefs. 
 
While China continued the brutality, the Uyghurs began seeking asylum in other nations. Many chose to confide in Muslim-majority nations like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. However, having good ties with China, these countries deported them back to China.