MGM presents Legends of Chivalry Art Exhibition by contemporary Chinese artist Ren Zhe
At the end of May, MGM unveiled its new exhibition by internationally renowned Chinese contemporary artist Ren Zhe, his first-ever solo Macau show. MGM X Ren Zhe – ‘Legends of Chivalry’ Art Exhibition features a series of works created under the theme of “Wuxia heroism”. This exhibition combines concepts of “selling exhibition” and “public art”, and employs a multi-dimensional, cross-cultural story-telling of Chinese heritage.
At the Spectactle at MGM Cotai stand two impressive sculptures of beloved characters from Jin Yong’s Wuxia martial arts novels, Golden-haired Lion King and Xiaolongnu. To accompany the sculptures, award-winning Hong Kong film visual effects artist Victor Wong has created a multimedia artwork featuring iconic scenes from The Condor Trilogy also by Jin Hong, offering visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of a vibrantly digitised wuxia world through the Spectacle’s LED screens.
Meanwhile, M Art Gallery is presenting more than 20 sculptural art pieces by Ren, which exemplifies the fusion of his Chinese philosophical thinking with contemporary techniques, alongside a series of manuscripts that serve as an extension of his sculptures. Additionally, Ren’s multidisciplinary series of neo-Chinese home décor products and apparel are exhibited for the first time in the world. These items demonstrate his studies of traditional Chinese culture alongside Western art-making techniques, and allow his artistry to permeate into everyday life.
“MGM and I share the same vision of boundless creativity and devotion in promoting Chinese culture through innovation,” Ren Zhe commented at the opening ceremony. “This is an unconventional exhibition as my sculptures are exhibited in the public space and gallery under one roof at MGM Cotai, allowing everyone to seek the spirit of chivalry underpinning each piece of work. It also combines Wuxia culture, contemporary arts and lifestyle into a unique cultural tourism experience to promote the essence of Chinese culture.”
Other sculptural works on display include Qi Gu, Jing Ling, Shen Se that encompasses Ren’s signature “warriors” iconography, and draws inspiration from deities and myths in Chinese folklore.
“MGM is delighted to collaborate with the influential young Chinese artist Ren Zhe to jointly curate this art event, which incorporates both exhibition and selling components under the theme of ‘Chivalrous Spirit’,” comments Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited.
Hong Kong author Jin Yong is arguably the most famous writer in the genre of Chinese Wuxia (“martial arts and chivalry”). He, together with fellow authors Gu Long, Liang Yusheng, are known as the “Three Legs of the Tripod of Wuxia”. His 15 works written between 1955 and 1972 earned him a reputation as one of the greatest and most popular Wuxia writers ever. By the time of his death in 2018, he was the best-selling Chinese author, and over 100 million copies of his works have been sold worldwide to date.
Born in 1983, artist Ren Zhe graduated from the Academy of Arts & Design at Tsinghua University and is renowned for combining traditional Chinese culture with contemporary Western techniques in his works of art. His art-making ethos is to “channel a formidable external presence by unleashing the momentum of impetuous energy, etch an outward image based on intrinsic character, and embody the essential ethos by building up from within”. In 2019, Ren became the first contemporary artist to be exhibited at at Beijing’s Imperial Ancestral Temple with his Qi — Ren Zhe Sculpture Exhibition causing a sensation in the art world.
His sculptural works are highly sought after in the art auction market and have repeatedly set records for bidding prices. This latest exhibit features several of Ren’s works for the very first time.
Outside MGM COTAI in Macau’s Barra district, a concurrent showcase, Into the World of Wuxia Legends – Jin Yong Wuxia Drama Costumes and Weapons Exhibition displays an array of drama costumes and film props provided by Hong Kong Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB). A series of TVB Jin Yong drama clips are being played at the exhibition, offering visitors a cinematic, immersive experience that transcends time and space.
MGM X Ren Zhe -‘Legends of Chivalry’ Selling Exhibition
Duration: Available from now, year-round (guided art tours available)
Time: 12:00 to 20:00 daily
Venue: M Art Gallery, MGM COTAI
Into the World of Wuxia Legends’ Jin Yong Wuxia Drama Costumes and Weapons Exhibition
Venue: Navy Yard No. 1 and Navy Yard No. 2
Duration: 2024/04/30 – 07/30
Time: Monday to Friday – 11:00 – 18:00
Saturday to Sunday and Public Holidays – 11:00 – 21:00
Ticket Price: Standard Ticket MOP 50 | Concession ticket MOP 30
