Prosperous Years, by Benoit+Bo
Art Macao is further establishing Macau as a meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures. With this mega international art and cultural event, taking place between June and October 2019, our beloved city has been awash with art exhibitions and events and Macau Lifestyle is thrilled to share with our readers our Art Macao journeys!
Several institutions joined efforts with the Cultural Affairs Bureau and took part in the “Art Macao: International Art Exhibition”. Five exhibitions have been organized by foreign consulates: the Consulate-General of Belgium in Hong Kong, the Consulate General of Portugal in Macao and Hong Kong, the Consulate-General of Hungary in Hong Kong and Macau, the Consulate-General of Italy in Hong Kong and the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong have curated admirable exhibitions that locals and visitors alike should not miss the chance to visit.
Prosperous Years, by Benoit+Bo
(See featured image)
The French-Chinese duo Benoit+Bo is the duo behind the uber popular Happy Heads, two massive lanterns in the shape of Chinese smiling masks, inspired by Chinese festivals. Happy Heads is no longer on display at Jorge Alvares square, but there is more to be seen by the prominent artists–including one of the Happy Heads. Visitors can further explore the creations of Benoit+Bo inside the Old Court Building, where they can expect to find a wonderfully curated showcase organized by the Consulate-General of Belgium in Hong Kong that includes visual and sound installations, contemporary photography and digital art images. The artworks carry influences from folk art and pop culture and reflect the artist’s travels and experiences around the world, displaying several cultural elements from East to West. Through their work, the Brussels-based duo proudly shares a borderless vision of the world.
When: June 16–September 15, 2019
Where: Old Court Building, 459 Avenida da Praia Grande, Macau
富士に恋して, by Seizo Watase
Japan Pavilion, several artists
Organized by the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong in collaboration with Toppan Printing, fans of Japanese art and culture are in for a treat with an exhibition perfect for them and of course, not forgetting other art enthusiasts either. Japan Pavilion features posters depicting expressions of graphic design and print expressions by renowned Japanese contemporary artists produced by Toppan Printing–posters from the “Graphic Trial” series–in which creators defy printing expressions, and posters from the “Traditional Performing Arts of Japan” series. Posters in the exhibit include artworks from acclaimed artists like Ren Takaya and Hiroki Taniguchi. But that’s not all. There are Japanese arts and crafts, like the vivid cardboard-made pieces by artist Taki Tamada, the eye-catching digital media work “Space Flowers” by artist Naoko TOSA and photography by photographer Masaaki Tomitori. Widely acclaimed comic artist and illustrator Seizo Watase (see image above) is all the rage with his famous comic series “Heart Cocktail”, which describes the romantic relationship between the characters. His illustration works, depicting the colorful scenery of the seasons and the relationship between male and female, are widely used on travel magazine covers, album covers, and commercial posters. He is currently active in various aspects, and this is his first exhibition in Macau.
When: June 19–September 22, 2019
Where: Tap Seac Gallery, 95, Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida
Colours of Asia, by Francesco Lietti
Colours of Asia, by Francesco Lietti
Hong Kong-based Italian artist Francesco Lietti presents a series of mixed media on canvas works in which themes of travel and discovery are manifested. Hong Kong’s cityscape, where the artist has been living in since 2006, is often portrayed, but so are other colorful Asian destinations like India, Indonesia or the Philippines. This exhibition is organized by the Consulate-General of Italy in Hong Kong and Italian Cultural Institute whereby visitors will be drawn to the colors in Lietti’s artworks, which are strikingly bright. His technique lends his landscapes a somewhat magical note, all the while still featuring real sceneries from the artist’s mnemonic imagery, the Italian artist’s creations are a merge between reality and fantasy. Another aspect of Lietti’s art is that it often bears a humorous or satirical voice, making the audience ponder about our world and modern-day living. What makes this exhibition even more special is seeing artwork inspired by the artist’s trips to Macau with two artworks specially made for Art Macao. It is just wonderful to see Macau painted in such vibrant colors to reflect the vibrancy of culture here.
When: May 27–September 22, 2019
Where: Taipa Houses–Exhibition Gallery, Avenida da Praia, Carmo Zone, Taipa, Macau
Looking out of the Credible, by Zsuzsa Péreli
Looking out of the Credible, by Zsuzsa Péreli
Internationally recognized Hungarian artist Zsuzsa Péreli works contemporary tapestry at a level that’s nothing short of excellence. Péreli is one of the few artists in her field creating her own designs, besides executing the piece. Her tapestries are deep and filled with emotion, often using metaphysical and sacred themes in their compositions. Through the renowned tapestry artists’ aquarelles and collages, viewers indeed look out of the credible, entering a complex world of colorful threads. Although the exhibition has since ended, it was a true honor to be able to host her beautiful tapestries in Macau.
When: June 11–July 14, 2019
Where: Macao Contemporary Art Center – Navy Yard no. 1, Rua de S. Tiago da Barra, Macau
Art Macao: Exhibitions Organized by Foreign Consulates
When: June–September, 2019
Where: Prosperous Years – Old Court Building, 459 Av. da Praia Grande, Macau
Colours of Asia – Taipa Houses-Exhibitions Gallery, Avenida da Praia, Carmo area, Taipa
Looking out of the Credible: Tapestries of Zsuzsa Péreli – Navy Yard 1, Macao Contemporary Art Center – Navy Yard No 1, Rua S. Tiago da Barra, Macau
Japanese Culture and Performing Arts Poster Exhibit – Tap Seac Gallery, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Praca Do Tap Seac, Macau
How much: Free admission
For more information, check the joint event’s website
Exhibitions Organized by Foreign Consulates are 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.
