Friends of Fukushima and Green Field Foundation, a Hong Kong registered charitable organisation, will jointly present the “Heart of Goodness” Charity Photo Exhibition from November 2011 to March 2012 to benefit Fukushima nuclear victims and the revitalisation of farmlands in Hong Kong and mainland China. Featuring approximately 30 photographic works by Hong Kong photographer Frances Tong executed before the infamous 11th March (3.11) disaster in Fukushima, Japan in 2011, this exhibition will be held in phases at SR Gallery CafeĢ in Causeway Bay, Man Yee Arcade in Central and Central Plaza in Wanchai. The works, which will be on sale to the general public, are priced from HKD3,110, with proceeds directly benefitting the people and the environment in Fukushima through the charity organisations.
“The Heart of Goodness” Charity Photo Exhibition is the first exhibition co-hosted by Friends of Fukushima (FOF) and Green Field Foundation (GFF). Established right after the disaster struck in March in 2011, FOF was founded in Hong Kong by local photographer, Frances Tong, with a group of volunteers. It aims to raise funds for people afflicted by the nuclear disaster in Fukushima. GFF was founded by another group of local volunteers in 2005, and focuses on environmental protection and promoting green education, particularly for farmers in poor villages. Together, these two charitable organisations are raising funds for the victims in Fukushima through Frances Tong’s mesmerising photographic works which depict the pristine pre-3.11 Fukushima. Connecting Fukushima, including the lessons of 3.11 and its call for conservation, with the planet earth in general, the charities also wish to develop greater public awareness of green issues and environmental protection.
How did it begin? The media released numerous images of the devastated Fukushima after the 3.11 earthquake, and the ensuing nuclear disaster left many traumatised and helpless – Frances Tong was no exception. She has always enjoyed the tranquillity of Fukushima and, for five years prior to the disaster, made numerous trips to the pristine lakes and mountains of the island to photograph the area’s wonders. Distressed by the disastrous scenes, Frances, together with a few friends, gathered daily provisions for the victims, and in just a few days secured 1,000 carton boxes (four container loads) of essentials.
Moved by her dedicated and compassionate friends, Frances then decided to hold an exhibition of her photographic work featuring the pre-3.11 Fukushima. The photographs provide an alternative view of Fukushima, while spurring greater public awareness of green issues and environmental conservation. To support this environmentally and socially responsible cause, Frances established Friends of Fukushima to develop this project. In three months, the concerted efforts of volunteers garnered nine corporate and individual sponsors. This project is now endorsed by the Consul General of Japan in Hong Kong.
Frances Tong recollects: “To take each picture, I spent hours synchronizing myself with the rhythm of nature. This meant intense anticipation in the dark forest for daybreak, or contemplating my numb feet in the snow field. Those moments were tremendously touching,”
GFF continues, “While such beauty might not exist anymore because of the disaster, it can be preserved in many other places. The stark contrast between Frances’ beautiful images and those from the media reminds us that we cannot take Nature for granted, whether it is fertile farmland, clean air or drinkable water. The events of 3.11 can happen in China, Europe, North America or anywhere in the world at anytime. If we continue to excessively consume energy, one day we might just lose our livelihoods all together.”
