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Art Macao, Making Life Beautiful

As a large-scale international cultural and artistic event in Macao, “Art Macao” has brought an immersive cultural atmosphere to the entire city as a gallery and an art garden. A brand-new urban cultural tourism brand is taking shape, prepared to generate a huge mass fervour for contemporary art in Macao.

“Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2021” is back from July to October 2021. Government departments, enterprises together with artists from all over the world will bring diverse visual arts experiences under the theme “To Create for Well-being”.
 
 
“Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2021” is divided into several sections: Main Exhibition, Special Exhibition of Resorts and Hotels, Creative City Pavilion, Public Art Exhibition, Selected Works by Local Artists and Collateral Exhibition, among others. By gathering creative ideas from around the world, it aims to promote the reputation of Macao as a world heritage city and reshape the humanistic spirit in the post-epidemic era.
 
Curated by Professor Qiu Zhijie, one of the most influential contemporary artists in China and Dean of the School of Experimental Art of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the Main Exhibition, themed “Advance and Retreat of Globalization”, is divided into three parts: “The Dream of Mazu”, “Matteo Ricci’s Labyrinth of Memory” and “Advance and Retreat of Globalization”, providing a space for reflection and discussion on globalization and individuality, life and dream, remoteness and proximity, security and happiness, among others. The Main Exhibition also echoes the geographical and cultural identities of Macao, and triggers an in-depth dialogue between local and external artistic concepts in the globalization process.
 
Laying on the longitudes of different cities and in the latitudes of creativity, “Art Macao” not only hosts international masters and local celebrities, but also attracts the participation of prestigious cities such as Macao, the City of Gastronomy; Nanjing, the City of Literature; Wuhan, the City of Design; Linz, the City of Media Arts. Whilst point of convergence of unique cultural essences originating from various creative cities, Macao will once again become a great garden filled of artistic creativity.
 
From July to October this year, Macao will connect the whole world with creativity and allow the public to enjoy beauty and vividness. Create for the well-being of the world, create for the evolution of the world.
 
Chief Curator Qiu Zhijie – Reflecting advance and retreat of globalization with art
 
Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2021” is curated by Professor Qiu Zhijie, one of the most influential contemporary artists in China and Dean of the School of Experimental Art of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. 
 
Chief Curator Qiu Zhijie believes that it seems as if the “PAUSE” button has been pressed suddenly on globalization in the global outbreak of pandemic in 2020. In the midst of this pandemic, artists around the world have been continuously working on creation, striving to open up a new spiritual path that saves the world from despair. 
 
The exhibition highlights the geographical and cultural identities of Macao and provides a space for artists around the world to discuss  globalization and individuality, daily life and dreams, remoteness and proximity, as well as security and happiness. 
 
Professor Qiu Zhijie won the annual Award of Art China by Artron twice and was nominated for the same award three times; he was shortlisted for the Hugo Boss Prize of the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 2012, and received an honorary mention at the Sharjah Biennial in 2017. He has held dozens of individual exhibitions and hundreds of collective exhibitions at galleries at home and abroad, and curated numerous exhibitions, including the 9th Shanghai Biennale “Reactivation” in 2012 and the exhibition “Continuum – Generation by Generation” at the China Pavilion in the Venice Biennale in 2017, which earned a dramatic response. 
 
During his visit in Macao for the “Art Macao”, he hosted two thematic lectures, bringing inspiration to the curatorial thinking and exploring the manifestation of “Asia” in art.
 
 
MAIN EXHIBITION
 
Themed “Advance and Retreat of Globalizatin”, the Main Exhibition is divided into three parts: “The Dream of Mazu”, “Matteo Ricci’s Labyrinth of Memory” and “Advance and Retreat of Globalization”. Over 40 artists from nearly 20 countries and regions are participating in the three sessions of the exhibition reflecting on globalization and individuals, daily life and dreams, distance and nearness, and a sense of safety and happiness. In total, more than 100 sets of artworks are being exhibited. Macao is an important transit port for Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, and is set as an important scene in the first wave of globalization. In light of this, the exhibition also features five important collections of export porcelain from the Macao Museum and the Macao Museum of Art.
 
 
 
The Dream of Mazu  
 
In the first episode of the Advance and Retreat of Globalization, it introduces the Chinese export porcelain to Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe via Macao during the Ming Dynasty. Chinese civilization was spread over the world through the trade of porcelain and other goods, disseminating “The Dream of Mazu”. This section brings together Ming’s and Qing’s export porcelain transshipped through Macao, the combinations of traditional and contemporary creations of Azulejos tiles by artists from Portugal, brand-new blue-and-white porcelain works by artists from China and the Middle East, as well as modern interpretations of the spirit of ink and wash embraced in this dream.
 
16.07 – 15.08
Tuesdays to Sundays 10:00 – 19:00 
(No admittance after 18:30)
Macao Museum of Art, 4th floor
• Guided Tour for the Public Saturdays & Sundays   
15:00 – 16:00, 16:15 – 17:15
 
 
 
Matteo Ricci’s Labyrinth of Memory  
 
The Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci arrived first in Macao and then went to preach in Mainland China. Meanwhile, he brought Western culture and technical knowledge to China and demonstrated to the Chinese people the “Memory Palace”, a popular mnemonic technique among orators of the ancient Roman era. This section describes how the Western world’s view of China has been recognized, subverted, and rewritten over 500 years, but ultimately remains a memory maze.
 
16.07 – 15.08
Tuesdays to Sundays 10:00 – 19:00 (No admittance after 18:30)
Macao Museum of Art, 4th floor
 
 
 
Advance and Retreat of Globalization
 
Due to the global pandemic in 2020, humanity has faced unprecedented challenges in the process of globalization, which has accelerated dramatically since the 1980s. It seems that the “PAUSE” button has been pushed suddenly in the process of globalization. Globalization is the cause of the problem, and it will also be the solution. As globalization is irreversible, the problems of today’s world can only be solved by the model of global governance. However, the nature of “art”, which is free from ideological bias, has established its value in global governance. In the midst of this tragic pandemic, artists around the world have been continuously working on creations, striving to open a new spiritual path that leads the world from despair.  The part “Advance and Retreat of Globalization” is to organize ideas about tradition and memory mentioned in the first two chapters.
 
16.07 – 17.10
Tuesdays to Sundays 10:00 – 19:00 (No admittance after 18:30)
Macao Museum of Art, 1st, 2nd floor
 
 
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
 
The hotels and integrated resorts and enterprises organized different exhibitions for the “Art Macao 2021”, bringing a number of key exhibitions that offer creative surprises and aesthetic delights.
 
 
 
Juxtapose  – Stories in Steel 
 
“Juxtapose” presents giant steel rod sculptures by Malaysian artist Tang Mun Kian, depicting Macao’s cultural heritage, architecture, trades of the past and festivals. With his witty and humorous cartoon style, the artist sketches the city’s historical and cultural scenery. “Juxtapose” is a homage to the rich history of Macao, with over four centuries of heritage, and is set to arouse collective memory and emotions.
 
20.07 – 31.10
– 10:00 – 22:00
Galaxy Entertainment Group
Galaxy Art, Shops 1067-69, The Promenade Shops, Galaxy Macau™
 
 
 
LA MER
 
Featuring specially commissioned works by pioneering video artist Ange Leccia, renowned composer Thomas Roussel, botanical sculptor Makoto Azuma and visionary artistic director Franco Dragone, the groundbreaking multimedia exhibition “LA MER” offers a sensual experience in the Dancing Water Theater with a series of installations that feature videos and photos, music, artificial intelligence, flower art and water effects, literally plunging the audience into an artistic journey and arousing their desire for marine conservation. 
 
16.07 – 31.10 
Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited
Dancing Water Theater at City of Dreams
 
 
 
Awakening
 
Through the imagery of the Awakening Lion, the exhibition “Awakening”, organized by MGM, features artworks by renowned artists Xue Song, Liu Guofu and Hung Yi who sought inspiration from the lion, including “MGM Lion Party” Public Art which showcases multifaceted dynamics and positivity. A number of internationally recognized artworks from the “MGM Chairman’s Collection” are also unveiled for the first time, showing the fusion of characteristics rooted in oriental essences and avant-grade nature, and embracing the creativity, solidarity, hope and pride. 
 
16.07 – 31.10 
MGM COTAI Spectacle & Lion Lobby 
• Guided Tours for the Public Daily 11:00 – 19:00
 
 
 
Project Sands X: Beyond The Blue – An Exhibition of Ceramic Extraordinaire
 
Partnering with internationally renowned ceramic artist Caroline Cheng to curate a unique exhibition, “Project Sands X: Beyond The Blue – An Exhibition of Ceramic Extraordinaire”, features artwork from over 20 international artists and art institutions, combining technology and ceramics with innovative presentations. Visitors can even interact with some of the pieces.
 
15.07 – 31.10
Sands China Limited
 
 
 
Art.Creation.New Ambience – Transformative Thinking, Enter an Era of Extraordinary Breakthroughs
 
A series of exhibitions entitled “Art.Creation.New Ambience” including “Harmony of East and West – The Exhibition of Famous Local Artists” and “Empire Recast – Solo Exhibition of Heidi Lau” showcase the unique styles of local artists. The fusion of Chinese and Western artistic styles leads visitors on a journey through multi-dimensional perspectives.
 
21.07 – 31.10
SJM Resorts, Limited
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, Grand Lisboa Macau
 
 
 
Illusions and Reflections – Through the Eyes of the Masters
 
This exhibition comprises two majestic national artistic treasures. “The Abode of Illusions: The Garden of Zhang Daqian” features photographs taken by Hu Chongxian of the last garden designed by Zhang, each inscribed by Zhang in his distinctive calligraphy.  This collection illustrates the unique aesthetic of traditional Chinese art through a new medium. “Life Reflection: Contemporary Ceramics of Zhu Legeng” showcases the artist’s fine ceramic creations, which he made and exhibited during official visits with national leaders, as well as his sensational ceramic installations inspired by the spirit of Macau. His works demonstrate an unconventional and impressive aesthetic.
 
17.07 – 31.10 
Tuesdays to Sundays
12:00 – 19:00
Wynn Macau, Limited
Wynn Macau & Wynn Palace
 
 
 
China Shen Embroidery Art Exhibition
 
Themed with Shen embroidery, this exhibition, on the one hand, aims to promote Chinese traditional culture, reflecting the cultural commitment of central government enterprises and the transmission and dissemination of traditional Chinese culture; on the other hand, it is also to use the exhibition as a platform to make more audiences around the world and Macao citizens know the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.
 
23.07 – 23.10 
Nam Kwong (Group) Company Limited
Macao Frontier Post of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
08:00-22:00
 
 
CREATIVE CITY PAVILION
 
The Creative City Pavilion, featured in “Art Macao” for the first time, brings together the distinctive cultural essence of various UNESCO Creative Cities, including Macao, Nanjing, Wuhan and Linz.  The exhibitions will be held from 23 July at the Macao Contemporary Art Center – Navy Yard No.1, Tap Seac Gallery and Mong-Ha Villas respectively, presenting the infinite creativity of each city and the cutting-edge charm of contemporary art.
 
 
Macao: City of Gastronomy – Bon Appétit!    
 
The exhibition features the work of 16 artists,  including Carlos Alberto dos Santos Marreiros and Wong Ka Long each exploring in their own unique way about the interplay of “food” on society and history. The subjects of these works range from personal experience, stories, time, place, food and drink trends to local history, and the media range from paintings, photography, installations, sound installations to video works. Just as the title of the exhibition in Chinese is composed of the verb “moving” and the noun “chopsticks”(Bon Appétit), the spirit of the artist is also embodied in this state of action – how to practice continuously under the spontaneous start, to think in different cultures, and thus to generate new ideas.
 
23.07– 03.10
10:00 –19:00
Macao Contemporary Art Center – Navy Yard No.1
 
 
 
Nanjing: City of Literature 
– Opening Up the Realm
 
Nanjing is a city of literature and creation, with its literary tradition continuing over 1,800 years, from which have emerged many influential masters and masterpieces. “Opening Up the Realm” displays the representative works of dozens of outstanding poets, novelists, critics and artists of Nanjing. The works include manuscripts, calligraphies, documentaries as well as an exhibition of paintings of worms by Zhu Yingchun, Ding Cheng Pharmacy, Portrait of the writer “Potato Brother” and a small book fair, providing visitors with a lot of interactive activities. This exhibition helps to open up the literary realm of Nanjing allowing visitors to walk around and experience the new level Nanjing literature has reached. Through the literary eyes of Nanjing writers they can have a refreshing look at the realm of life.
 
23.07– 03.10
10:00 –19:00
Tap Seac Gallery
 
 
 
Wuhan: City of Design – Empathy  
 
This exhibition focuses on individuals in grand historical events from a micro perspective, and unfolds around the wonderful connection between individuals and collectives, people and society, and individuals, and finally settles on the most dazzling aura of human nature – empathy. Wuhan, as the epicenter of the pandemic, has already taken on a new lease of life. Looking back, all discussions on macro-level governance capabilities seem pale and untimely. We are more willing to present the vivid individual experiences in the city, the moving stories one after another connected by emotion, the visions outlined in art. 
 
23.07 – 24.10
10:00 –19:00
Mong-Ha Villas
 
 
 
Linz: City of Media Arts – The Art of Interface
 
Media art and design practices have recently developed a wide range of artworks based on interfaces, some of which place emphasis on uncovering hidden aspects of the constant gaze from others. The exhibition will display a number of internationally renowned multimedia artists’ works, including interactive installations and multimedia works, to demonstrate the cutting-edge charm of contemporary interactive art, leading the audience to search for the form and existing meaning of interface. As one of the cities which hosts one of the longest lasting media art events in the world, Linz promotes innovative media art education on an international level. The exhibition “Linz: City of Media Arts – The Art of Interface” displays the works of a number of renowned multimedia artists engaging in digital art from Linz, Austria, the City of Media Arts. 
 
23.07 – 24.10
10:00 –19:00
Mong-Ha Villas
 
 
PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION
 
At “Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2021”, six eye-catching outdoor public artworks are displayed at different corners of the city, showing creations of artists from Mainland China, Thailand, Argentina, Egypt and Italy. 
Under the theme of “Technology of Wellbeing”, the artworks illustrate how art is being used as technology to create happiness and well-being for all mankind during the pandemic.
 
Tap Seac Square 
“Chakra” by Riccardo Cordero from Italy, represents the centre of human spirit, with the sculptures being formed into a circle, just like a square in a square.
 
Art Plaza of Macao Cultural Centre
“Gathering” by Su Xinping from China, creates a mountain-like shape from a perspective looking up to the huge hands, unfolding a world of continuous fracture and reunion. 
 
Barra Square
“Sun Boat” by Moataz Nasr from Egypt, features a sun disc of 360 paddles tied to each other, illustrating the endless, interconnected movement of human beings on earth seeking a better life.
 
Anim’Arte NAM VAN
Thai artist Gongkan has created “Miss You”, which represents the concept of loving with freedom and expresses “love” without restraint. 
 
Taipa Houses
“Global City” by Leandro Erlich from Argentina, uses the concept of “a global village” to demonstrate the indivisibility of human life and the realistic significance of sharing the same house in the hustle and bustle of our lives. 
 
Exterior Wall of the Handover Gifts Museum of Macao
Drawing Architecture Studio from China presents “Learning from Macao” in which a mega urban panorama is created to observe, learn, record and represent the changes brought about by the gaming industry to the city’s daily and recreational life. 
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