Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Events Calendar
    • Macau Weekend
    • Monthly Hotlist
    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Vida RIca Bar Hot Dog Pop Up with Drink from Above
    Weekender: Wine & Dine, Cultural Happenings & More
    Macau Weekend
    100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway
    Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao
    Giveaways
    A Unique Taste of Baijiu at St Regis Macao
    Weekender: Dining, Cocktails, Exhibitions & More
    Macau Weekend
  • Dining

    Categories

    • Restaurants
    • Local Eats
    • Cafes
    • Bars
    • Chef Spotlight

    Recent Stories

    Champagne tea set The St Regis Bar
    100 Years Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Bar Macao: British Traditions & New York High Life
    Bars
    caffe b italian restaurant macau lunch dishes
    New Set Menu at Caffé B Macau: What’s for Lunch?
    Dining
    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom
    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste
    Cafes
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    Sheraton Fitness
    Best Hotel Gym Memberships in Macau
    Wellness
    Cartier LOVE necklace_18K pink gold
    Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
  • Culture

    Categories

    • Arts
    • Heritage & History
    • Architecture
    • Artist Spotlight
    • Local Knowledge

    Recent Stories

    Cheong Kin Man Nighttime Facing the Camera
    Cheong Kin Man: The Story Listener in Search of New Narratives
    Artist Spotlight
    Portuguese Consulate that was a Hospital Right Angle Macao Archives
    Portuguese Heritage: From Catholic Hospital to Diplomatic Institution
    Culture
    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle
    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene
    Arts
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Morpheus Spa_Couple Spa Suite_02
    Best Facial Treatments in Macau
    Beauty
    CHLOE Mini Daria bag in Muted Brown
    Christmas Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life
    Lifestyle
    Amalfi Coast coffee table books
    Inspiring Coffee Table Books for Your Home
    Home
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hong kong junk Day Trips Macau
    Best Day Trips from Macau
    Asia
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
    kun iam ecumenic centre macau
    Weekend Walking Tour of Macau Peninsula’s Alternative Cultural Sites
    Culture
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

    • What's On
    • Dining
    • Things to Do
    • Hotels

    Recent Stories

    St. Regis Hong Kong, Premier Harbour Room 08
    Best Staycation Packages in Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
    Wake Up Here: Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Chen tianzhuo
    Chen Tianzhuo: Meshing Visual & Performance Art
    Artist Spotlight
  • Events
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Arts
1 September, 2019
by Ksenia Kuzmina

Art Macao Outdoor Art Installations: Fresh Look on Familiar Places

joao o rita machado sanctuary outdoor art installations art macao1

What is so special about outdoor art? If you think about it, whenever a new outdoor installation, permanent or temporary, appears on the city map, it instantly steals the spotlight. When it’s permanent it becomes a city’s landmark that attracts tourists from all over the world. Take the centerpiece of Chicago’s Millenial Park, “Cloud Gate” by Anish Kapoor or “Seven Magic Mountains” by Ugo Rondinone in Nevada desert. When it’s temporary, or ephemeral, it creates a buzz as well and gives familiar places a new vibe. As outdoor installations are often site-specific, they attach a different value to forgotten locations. Ordinary routes suddenly feel new and elevated with a fresh coat of paint.

One of the greatest goals achieved by outdoor art, in particular, is encouraging people to come outdoors. It often minimizes the distance between art and the viewer as art emerges at routine locations. So when we found out that Art Macao brought outdoor art installations to town, we went out to explore. Here’s our guide to Art Macao’s outdoor art installations to inspire you to go for an art walk yourself!

outdoor art installations art macao macau lifestyle Contemplation of Lovingkindness Mok Yat San

Contemplation of Lovingkindness, by Mok Yat San

Contemplation of Lovingkindness, by Mok Yat San

An artist from the neighboring SAR, Mok Yat San has had his artworks exhibited at Art Basel for three consecutive years. If you wander around Art Macao exhibitions, you might notice a connection between “Contemplation of Lovingkindness” and another artwork–the fluffy colorful bears by Paola Pivi, a part of “Unexpected Encounters” at City of Dreams. But the similarity doesn’t end with the polar bears. Just like Pivi’s bear sculptures, the ones by Mok Yat San deliver an environmental message. As a matter of fact, his art is often driven by concern regarding environmental issues.

Melting ice formations and bears in the middle of a summery green lawn give a contradictory and unsettling feeling as intended. Bringing Arctic inhabitants into the middle of tropical Macau, Mok Yat San is reminding us that the climate crisis is closer to us than it seems. And as this inspiring installation will eventually vanish, so will the real glaciers and polar bears if action is not taken.

Where: Outside the Macao Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, Macau

yu fan silver manned horse no5 art macao outdoor installation macau lifestyle

Silver Manned Horse No. 5, by Yu Fan

Silver Manned Horse No. 5, by Yu Fan

An artist from Beijing, Yu Fan makes sculptures of long-legged refined horses and touching, cartoon-like figures of men and women, combining Chinese and western sculpture techniques. Horses have always been common objects of sculpture. But contrary to the formidable and strong bronze animals, Yu Fan’s horses elicit much softer emotions. In his work, he seems to be guided only by his artistic intuition and not influenced by trends. Ultimately, his idea of creation is to let the material inspire and lead, without making detailed plans in advance. “I want to make things [by] not thinking too much,” the artist says. 

One of the Art Macao outdoor installations, Yu Fan’s “Silver Manned Horse No. 5” is sitting in front of Nam Van Lake, seemingly resting and admiring the view. The sculpture is made of bronze and covered with car spray paint. This method of paint coating along with the artist’s recognizable style creates an impression of a mythical creature that can fade away at any moment. 

Where: Anim’Arte Nam Van, Avenida Panoramica Do Lago Nam Van, Macau

Art Macao-2019-The Wanderer-Wong Ka Long-Taipa Houses-Macau Lifestyle art macao outdoor art installations

The Wanderer, by Wong Ka Long

The Wanderer, by Wong Ka Long

Born in Macau, Wong Ka Long’s art is influenced by a unique blend of history and culture. For his sculptures, he often chooses personas significant for Macau, such as Matteo Ricci, an Italian missionary or Luís de Camões, a renowned Portuguese poet. This time, Wong Ka Long put his artistic spotlight on another famous Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa and his concept of heteronyms. Pessoa created around 75 alter-egos and called them heteronyms. They had their names and biographies, wrote in different styles and had different, at times incompatible and extreme views. Some of them even criticized the work of others. 

“The Wanderer” is a series of sculptures “wandering” around Taipa Houses Museum, standing at the terrace, gazing into Cotai Strip or rushing somewhere. All of them are different versions of Fernando Pessoa. The same outfit, but distinct stories. Taipa Houses Museum is an iconic spot on the city map that reflects the strong connection between Macau and Portugal. It would be hard to imagine a better place for this poetic and deep artwork. 

Where: Taipa Houses, Avenida da Praia, Carmo area, Taipa, Macau

happy heads benoit+bo art macao macau lifestyle outdoor art installation

Happy Heads, by Benoit+Bo

Happy Heads, Benoit+Bo

An artistic union formed in Tianjin, Benoit+Bo currently live and work in Brussels. Born in France, Benoit used to live in China where he met Bo, a Chinese native. Together they formed a duo that aims to bring their different cultural backgrounds and artistic methods, exploring a dialogue between Chinese and European cultures through painting, sculpture, installation and photography. No matter the genre, all their works are distinguished by bright, bold colors and contrasts that can be often found in French art. On the other hand, there are usually some attributes of Chinese tradition and oriental subtext in their art as well.

“Happy Heads” brought to the city as a part of Art Macao, are a part of Benoit+Bo series inspired by Chinese festive masks, a tradition that goes back to rock cave paintings near the Yangtze River. The masks are used in theater, opera, dance and festive events like New Year. By creating large installations or photographing themselves wearing “happy heads”, Benoit+Bo introduce festive spirit in everyday life and ordinary surroundings. 

Installed at Jorge Álvares Square, Happy Heads were dismantled on August 15th. If you, unfortunately, missed the installation, you can still check the Benoit+Bo exhibition “Prosperous years” at Old Court Building.

joao o rita machado sanctuary outdoor art installations art macao1

Sanctuary (2019), João Ó and Rita Machado

Sanctuary, by João Ó and Rita Machado

João Ó and Rita Machado are two founding partners of Impromptu Projects, a multidisciplinary studio in Macau. They are architects, working both on long-term architectural projects such as the renovation of Grand Prix Museum and ephemeral structures made of bamboo. However, the latter is their artistic focus. Bamboo is their material of choice for a number of reasons. When João and Rita lived in front of the A-Ma Temple they paid close attention to the annual installation of bamboo stages for Cantonese opera performance. That attracted their artistic interest and from that moment they started exploring how to bring something contemporary into centuries-long tradition. Moreover, bamboo is a sustainable material—from scaffolding, it turns into an art installation and back, the cycle is pretty long and allows to reduce the waste that is common for other temporary structures.

The structure ended up at Mount Fortress garden, giving the place a new function and visitors, a new reason to enjoy the location. Rita’s and João’s goal was to stimulate interaction with the work, hence they hung bright red hammocks between the bamboo poles. If you saw “Sanctuary” on any day, you’d agree the goal was indeed achieved as there was always a line of kids and adults wishing to rest in a hammock. 

“Sanctuary” was dismantled on August 25th.


Art Macao: Outdoor Art Installations

When: June–October, 2019

Where: Anim’Arte Nam Van, Macao Cultural Centre, Taipa Houses, Praça Jorge Álvares, Mount Fortress

How much: Free admission

For more information, check here


Outdoor art installations are a part of the mega international art and cultural event Art Macao.

Happening from May to October this year, Art Macao brings together cultural institutions, hotel and resort operators, consular missions in Hong Kong and Macau to create an unforgettable atmosphere and cultural vitality to thrill residents and tourists alike.

Tags

  • art macao
  • Macau Art
  • Macau Contemporary Art
  • Macau lifestyle
  • outdoor art installations

Related Posts

grilled chicken fries fernandos restaurant coloane hac-sa beach
Culture

Fernando Restaurant: Macau’s All-Time Favorite

Santa Sancha Palace Macau Seen from Below Wide Macau Lifestyle
Culture

Santa Sancha Palace: Abode of Barons, Governors & Chief Executives

macau guide book dutch ships attacking macau waters 1665
Heritage

Five Things Macau Guide Books Won’t Tell You: Part 2

June 10 celebrations poster 2020 Macau
Culture

10th June or Camões’ Day: Don’t Miss the Celebration

Trending Posts

Macau Weekend, What's On

Weekender: Wine & Dine, Cultural Happenings & More

100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway
Giveaways

Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao

Portuguese pastries Macau pao lo ovar
Dining, Local Eats

Where to Find the Best Portuguese Pastries in Macau

Artist Spotlight, Culture

Cheong Kin Man: The Story Listener in Search of New Narratives

  • Editor's Picks

    100 Years Afternoon Tea The St Regis Bar Champagne Afternoon Tea giveaway Giveaways

    Win a Stylish Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at The St. Regis Bar Macao

    Macau Lifestyle has partnered with The St. Regis Macao for a fabulous giveaway where the winners can have an extravagant afternoon tea!

    LondonerMainLR Hotels

    Unveiling The Londoner Macao: The Newest Jewel in Cotai’s Crown

    The Londoner Macao is a unique addition to the vibrant skyline of Macau meticulously designed, making it a true celebration of timeless British design.

    chef sebastien bernie holding pink bloom cake mandarin oriental macau Chef Spotlight

    Of Cakes & Fitness: Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s Pastry Chef Sebastien Bernis

    We asked Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s pastry chef Sebastien Bernis to share which cakes sell the best, how he leads his team and more!

    Cuppa Coffee Macau Dining

    Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

    As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom Cafes

    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste

    The Mandarin Cake Shop’s cakes will make your heart beat faster and complement any ocassion! Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself!

    taipa village stairs ksenia kuzmina Macau good news 2020 Culture

    Macau Recap: Good Things That Happened in 2020

    This 2020 has not been all grim and dark.Here’s some of the happy and optimistic news and events that happened in Macau this year!

    Chef Daniel brooker sofitel macau at ponte 16 portrait meat Chef Spotlight

    Around the World in 14 Years: Sofitel Macau’s Executive Chef Daniel Brooker

    We talked with executive chef Daniel Brooker of Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 about his achievements and Sofitel’s role on the gastronomy map.

    hiro ramen venetian macau lifestyle Dining

    Get Warm: Best Ramen Spots in Taipa

    We have composed a list of the best ramen spots in Taipa to warm your heart and soul, the Japanese way, with a hot bowl of ramen!

    Sichuan Moon Chinese Restaurant Macau Dining

    The Most Outstanding Chinese Restaurants in Macau

    We’ve dedicated this page to the best restaurants serving Chinese food that entices even the most discerning palates from all over the world.

    Cotai Picture Wide Macau Lifestyle Macau

    10 Free Things to Do in Macau

    Glamorous and buzzing Macau has a lot to offer even for those on a shoe-string budget. Find out the coolest and free things to do in Macau.

    Coloane hiking trail Culture

    Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

    Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

    AJ Hackett Macau Skywalk giveaway Macau Lifestyle Local Knowledge

    Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once

    Take a dive into this article and find out what to do to spend your precious time in Macau and maximize it to enjoy the city at its fullest!

    African Chicken from Riquexo Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Macanese Craze: Where to Get African Chicken in Macau

    African chicken is a truly Macanese dish, even though it doesn’t sound so. We’ve toured Macau looking for the best and here they are!

    ramen pro macau lifestyle Dining

    Delicious Ramen Spots in Macau

    A hot bowl of Japanese ramen would surely satisfy any noodle craving. Slurp away at these ramen places in Macau!

    Collage of Calcada do Amparo Area Wall Paintings Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Colorful Macau: Best Street Art Hotspots

    Looking for something different to discover in the city? Explore the lesser travelled paths of Macau to find stunning local street art.

    The Moss Natural Life - handmade soaps sustainable shopping macau Wellness

    Sustainable Shopping in Macau

    If you are looking for places to shop for packaging-free, eco-friendly and sustainable items in Macau, here is a good list to embark on your journey.

    quarter square coffee on table exterior Dining

    The Ultimate Guide to Macau’s Best Coffee Shops

    Coffee makes the world go round and even if you don’t fancy it, it definitely brings people together so here are the best coffee shops in Macau!

    10-things-to-do-in-coloane-chapel-francis-xavier Culture

    10 Beautiful Catholic Churches in Macau

    Other than the glitz of the casinos and hotels, the beautiful Catholic churches show a different, historical side of Macau.

    Zics Macau Brand Source Facebook page Fashion

    Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

    Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

    The Cheesecake Factory Macao pancakes Cafes

    Great Places for Pancakes in Macau

    Looking for pancake places around Macau? Hunting for butter-browned, soft and fluffy pancakes? We think you’ll be satisfied with our list!

    The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge Gin Collection Bars

    Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

    After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

    Waffles with Coffee at Rooftop Macau Exterior Macau Lifestyle Cafes

    Best Waffle Spots in Macau

    Best shared with your friends or perhaps on a first date, here are the best waffle places in Macau for your next catch up session.

    Maria do Leste Bloody Mary from St Regis Macao Updated Photo 2020 Bars

    Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

    The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene

    We speak to Jarvis Mo, the president of the Macau Youth Street Dance Association, about the street dance culture in Macau, and more!

  • About
  • The Team
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

COPYRIGHT © 2021 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive Macau Events Agenda, the Hottest Giveaway Offers and the Latest Article Updates!

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok