In the history of the development of porcelain – one of China’s biggest contributions to the world – Macau once played an important role as a significant trading hub. From the late 16th to the early 17th century, Europeans regarded Macau as a main port for the ceramics trade. And in modern times, many fragments of porcelain can still be found along the coastal areas of the territory.
This summer, the allure of ceramic art is once again in Macau, with a major exhibition held by Sands China as its contribution to the first edition of Art Macao, a five-month mega event launched in June.
Entitled All That’s Gold Does Glitter, the exhibition features more than 90 ceramic masterpieces by 27 artists from all over the world, including the curator, Caroline Cheng.
“When I walked into the hotel lobby of The Venetian Macao, the venue was so splendid. And to associate with Sands China [the Chinese name literally means ‘gold sands’], I decided to choose the theme of ‘Gold’,” Cheng explains to CLOSER at the opening ceremony. “The participating artists were carefully selected as the best from around the world. Most of the exhibits are tailor made for this exhibition, so they contain the element of ‘Gold’.”
In addition to The Venetian Macao, visitors can also enjoy the beauty of ceramics at other Sands properties, as well as at the main venue for Art Macao – The Macao Art Museum.
Caroline Cheng is an internationally renowned ceramics artist, curator and educator, who devotes herself to promoting an appreciation of ceramics around the world. She describes her passion for the art of clay and fire, saying, “I’m most fascinated with clay because it is a primitive material that has existed in the world with a long history. When I hold the clay in my hands, I can feel my relationship with nature. And fire is one of the five elements of significant gravity, and actually all five elements are also part of ceramics. This is very fun!”
In this exhibition, Cheng will present her ceramic art series Prosperity, inspired by her experience of living in China for over 10 years, and consisting of intricately handmade porcelain butterflies sewn on Chinese dresses. Viewers can also appreciate the innovative ceramic art pieces by other world-famous artists including, Tetsuya Ishiyama, Daniel Bare and Ryan Mitchell. The exhibition runs until October 9 at The Venetian Macao; The Parisian Macao; Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip; Sands Macao; and the Macao Museum of Art.