In April, local real estate company Ambiente Properties launched a new lifestyle initiative Art@Ambiente, exhibiting a number of striking art works by Denis Murrell, an Australian artist who has been based in Macau for over 30 years.
The idea behind the project is multi-layered. “On the one hand”, explains Suzanne Watkinson, Managing Director of Ambiente, “we want to be able to give a platform to local artists to present and sell their work, and on the other hand it gives Ambiente a chance to provide clients and friends with a relaxing afternoon of champagne and art appreciation.”
“My business partner Alex and I are both enthusiastic art collectors. We feel that Ambiente has been in the property market long enough that its time to extend our brand to lifestyle activities, and including locally-made furnishings for the home and office. There is more to real estate than bricks and mortar … there’s what goes inside a building that makes it an inviting, comfortable space, like paintings, art, furniture, carpets and accessories.”
“Art@Ambiente is a great opportunity to entertain clients, meet new friends, and show people that Ambiente is not just about leasing or selling properties. We are planning to hold these events in our office quarterly and we want to feature more local artists. We’re located downtown so it’s easy for people to pop in over lunch or after work and have a look.”
Last year, Ambiente moved into their larger office next door, and after extensive renovations the new space has a very homely, relaxing feel to it, making it ideal for displaying artwork.
“Our new office lends itself so well to this type of event. And all week we’ve been working around these beautiful pieces of art. It’s been great fun; the team and I really felt the light and energy emanating from the paintings,” says Suzanne.
While the artwork stayed in the office throughout the week, the public event only ran for one day.
“Three pieces were sold in the first 30 minutes and by the end of the day, two thirds of those on display had been sold or reserved,” notes Suzanne. And according to the artist himself, one day is enough from a commercial point of view.
“For regular exhibitions, people mostly come on the first night, and if they’re going to buy, they’ll buy that first night,” Denis explains. “I wanted a venue that was not a big open gallery with all the paintings on the wall… that gets boring. This is a smaller space, more like a home, easy for people to gather and talk, a one-day exhibition. Exactly what I wanted!”
Denis has been living in Macau since 1989, teaching English and art to hundreds of students over the years and quietly creating a vast portfolio of vibrant art works.
“Over the years Denis has made huge differences in many people’s lives, mentoring local students who have creative talent,” comments Suzanne, an obvious fan. “I’m a voracious collector of his art, I have about a dozen, mostly large, Denis Murrell pieces. I’ve known him for years and I love him to bits. He’s kind, amusing, down-to-earth and full of interesting stories. His art is accessible, he has a very unique style and his legacy is to pass this on to local students.”
Now in his mid-70s, Denis still paints every day and he produced a number of new works especially for this exhibition. His colourful abstract pieces are created using a technique of acrylic on tissue paper over canvas, a style he discovered by accident many years ago.
“One day I dropped some paint on the floor and I cleaned it up with tissue and it left an imprint, and that gave me the idea to make paintings using tissue, and I’ve never stopped. All my paintings are like that now. They keep developing and they’re all different. Looking back at my earlier paintings, I see quite a big difference. My work has definitely evolved over the years,” Denis observes.
As for his inspiration? “People ask me what I think of before I start and I say ‘nothing’. I just do it, it’s very intuitive. I never plan, it’s completely spontaneous.”
Denis’ talent was recognised early in his time in Macau. In 1995 he won the Macau Biennale, and in 1996 the Leal Senado competition, and he came second in the next Biennale. Recently he was commissioned to paint two large pieces for an integrated resort, but they are yet to be unveiled, so he’s keeping quiet on the details for now.
Currently Denis has around 12 students, all in their 20’s and mostly women. He teaches them in a studio in Old Taipa Village. The biggest challenge for upcoming artists in Macau is space to work and hone their skills.
“They can’t paint at home, because the apartments are too small and they can’t hire a studio because it’s too expensive. Their painting comes to a bit of a dead-end when they graduate, which is a pity,” he laments.
“Macau has been educating people in art for a very long time, but when they graduate there are no jobs for them in the art field. Some students end up never painting again. They learn, make beautiful paintings but don’t continue.”
Nonetheless, Suzanne is excited about finding other local artists and creative talents that she can collaborate with for future events. The next Art@Ambiente will be held on June 16, and features oil paint artist Leong Chi Mo.
“I have a passion for interior design and architecture”, she smiles. I’d love to be able to find a local furniture maker or a carpet maker. Alex, the team and I are thoroughly enjoying showcasing local artists, reaching out into the fabric of the Macau community through art, and at the same time helping people with the nuts and bolts of real estate!”
The next Art@Ambiente will be held on 16 June, in partnership with AFA (Art for All Society Macau), and features oil paint artist Leong Chi Mou
