The Disappeared

People throughout the world have been concerned by the mysterious disappearances, beginning in November of 2015, of five booksellers from a Hong Kong shop that sells material that some consider is in conflict with the mainland Chinese government. The last man disappeared on December 30, 2015. Some believe the men are being detained. This painting has been done in support of them and of the people of Hong Kong. The central image is a wilted white orchid, since an orchid appears on the Hong Kong flag, a symbol of harmony. The painting began as a collage of newspaper stories mounted on canvas and then over-painted in watercolor and oil. My hope is to raise awareness of the plight of "the disappeared" as we hope for their safe return.