In “Beyond Pixels” one of Macau’s most celebrated artists, Victor Marreiros, exhibits artworks in his typically satirical and humorous style. Signum Living Store is the venue for his latest exhibition, offering a rare chance to see the work of the artist who’s last show was back in 2009
Victor Marreiros doesn’t do many solo exhibitions. His last was in 2009, on June 10, Portugal’s National Day. Ten years before that, the artist, illustrator, stage designer, and one of the founders of the Circle of Friends of Culture of Macau, performed a retrospective at the Casa Garden and another in Osaka, Japan.
His photography and painting debuted almost two decades ago, and since then, Marreiros has taken part in a number of group exhibitions and international competitions. But “Beyond Pixels” is his first solo show in five years, and offers a rare opportunity to view a previously unseen portfolio, consisting of nearly 40 paintings, on canvas and photographic paper, by one of the territory’s most awarded artists.
Portuguese author Camilo Pessanha, and Puyi, the last emperor of China (or Mr. Henry, his English name), are just some of the characters portrayed by the artist in this exhibition.
The decision to feature Pessanha was more due to his character, than his work, according to Marreiros.
“He is a very interesting person. Not because I love his work, but he was fascinating. He is a name in Portuguese literature, who was in Macau, had an eventful life, and he has his own sub-world that I find funny.”
The title of the show, “Beyond Pixels” refers to the artist’s testing of the acceptance of digital art, at a time when he feels the creative industries “are in fashion”. The show’s title, he says, sums it up.
“It is much more than a pixel. It is a creation, a drawing, mixed media, with the final product in digital form.”
When asked about the sense of sarcasm in his works and whether his intention is to make social or political commentary, the artist says he prefers to let the viewer make up their own mind.
“I don’t like to explain my paintings. I think they speak for themselves. The paintings have a particular value during the process of creation and another value when they are finished. Once completed, other considerations come in – that is the interpretation of the beholder. If I try to explain the picture, I think I’m disrespecting those who are looking at it.”
And as to why we have had to wait so long to enjoy a solo exhibition from him, Marreiros explains that it is simply due to a lack of time, rather than desire.
“I work full-time as a graphic designer and I’m really busy. It’s something that I like. Design is not just a profession, it’s something I love,’ he says.
“I think art is a way of being in life. Being an artist is a state of mind. Today I paint, tomorrow I take photographs, on another day I try video. Working as a graphic designer on the computer, then leaving that and jumping to paint brushes is more complicated, you need time.”
However painting is a love the artist wishes to return to at some point.
“In my free time, or when I invent time, I choose themes that please me, outside the context of orders, in digital art. When I have more time, I’ll go back to painting, but there is no rush.”
'Beyond Pixels'
by Victor Marreiros
Oct 8 – Dec 31
Signum Living Store, 285 Rua do Almirante Sérgio, R/C, Macau.