Macau’s Resonance

 Translation Daisy Wong

Macau’s Resonance: A Sensory Re-imagination Exhibition is an immersive exhibition which blends art and technology, and centers on urban memory and future imagination, showcasing the diverse cultural, historical, and innovative charms of Macau. It invites visitors to explore Macau’s unique character through multiple perspectives, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and pride among local citizens, while enhancing visitors’ understanding of the city’s rich heritage. 

One of the exhibition’s most distinctive features is its all-Macau team of curators, designers, producers, and artists. This comprehensive local effort highlights the city’s cultural vibrancy and creative strength, telling Macau’s stories through diverse artforms. The exhibition spans six themed zones, integrating new media art, sound art, documentary displays, miniature models, children’s artworks, and unique Macau-inspired cultural products. Together, these elements offer locals and visitors a rich, multifaceted immersive experience.

The exhibition is the brainchild of co-curators Hilda Cheang, Stanley Ma and Henry Lei. 

“We wanted to use art as a media to recall the memories of Macau people,” says Hilda Cheang.  “We are featuring video, audio, visual arts and miniature models, all trying to recall the feeling of Macau through different media and different age groups as well.  Especially with the children’s art, we can see their perspective on what Macau is like now, and what they think it will be like in the next 25 years.”

“We also wanted to tap into the sort of untold stories of Macau, from different angles and perspectives, using different mediums to express our love and appreciation of Macau,” adds Stanley Ma. 

“I think this exhibition is like a puzzle of Macau,” notes Henry Lei.  “We can see many different parts, traditional and modern and it all creates one big picture.” 

Almost all the works were specially commissioned and custom-made for the exhibition, based around the theme of memories and love of Macau.  

Entering the audio-visual zone, Echoes of Macau curated by sound artist Ellison Lau and his team (Soundmist Studio), visitors are immersed in the sounds and stories of Macau through a unique auditory experience.  

Meanwhile, Macau in Miniature by miniature model artist Jacqueline Sio and her team presents fascinatingly detailed scale models of Macau’s classic shops and street scenes, allowing a close-up view of the city’s history. 

A series of short documentary films, Chronicles of Macau led by director Henry Lei, captures Macau’s cultural legacy through interviews and on-site footage, tracing the evolution of traditional local businesses. 

Media artists Clare Lo and Casber U utilized digital technology and new media to create futuristic artworks inspired by Macau and its return to China in the zone entitled Macau Perceptions.

And last but certainly not least, Macau Artistry: Drawing Contest for Kindergarten & Primary School Students presents perspectives of Macau’s youth through creativity and their visions of what Macau might be in the future.

The curatorial team envisioned this exhibition as a distinctive and sustainable event, blending the celebratory spirit of the dual anniversaries with an evocative dialogue on urban memory, cultural flow, and future imagination. By connecting “art” with “vibes”, the exhibition reflects Macau’s status as a vibrant hub for culture and creativity.

“We’re just really proud of being able to grow up in this city and see all these things that have happened as it has transformed into a cultural hub.  It’s a very special place and we hope people feel that when they visit the exhibition.” 

Macau’s Resonance is supported by the Cultural Development Fund of the Macao SAR Government and hosted by the Macau New Media Arts Association, co-organized by Indefinite Production Ltd., Unknown Production Ltd., the Macau Youth Art Association, and the Macau Miniature Art Association, with sponsorship from Lisboeta Macau and Air Macau.