Statement by Visual Artists Guild on the 37th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre June 4, 2026

I join you in honoring the lives lost, the imprisoned, and those exiled following the tragic events of June 4, 1989. The courage of the citizens, the defiance of the Tank Man, and the enduring ideals of the Goddess of Democracy remain etched in global memory.

Why do we remember?

We remember because memory is an act of conscience. We remember so that those who lost their lives are not reduced to statistics, and so that their names, their hopes, and their sacrifices are not forgotten.

We remember because those who were imprisoned, exiled, or silenced deserve to know that their suffering was not in vain and that their courage continues to inspire others.

We remember because truth matters. When history is denied, censored, or erased, remembrance becomes a moral responsibility. By remembering, we bear witness to what happened and affirm that the truth cannot be extinguished by force.

We remember because freedom, human dignity, and the right to speak one's conscience are values that must be defended by every generation. The students and citizens who gathered in the spring of 1989 reminded the world that these ideals are worth pursuing, even at great personal risk.

And we remember because hope endures. The dream that inspired millions during those spring days—the dream of a more just, humane, and free society—did not die in Tiananmen Square. It lives on in all who continue to seek truth, justice, and liberty.

Therefore, we remember not only to honor the past, but also to illuminate the future. We remember so that future generations may learn from history, cherish freedom, and find the courage to stand against oppression wherever it may arise. 

May the Spirit of Tiananmen lives on in our hearts and in our actions.

Ann Lau, Chair, Visual Artists Guild 
Statement given on June 4, 2026 in front of the Consulate of the PRC in Los Angeles