T o celebrate its first anniversary at the end of March, Amagao Gallery at Artyzen Grand Lapa Hotel is presenting a collection of previously unseen works. The exhibition entitled Year ONE, is dedicated to the art and artists of Macau and features several works by 27 artists, which will be on display until May 21.
The selected artists include some of the most recognised and accomplished visual artists in Macau including Alexandre Marreiros, Alice Ieong, Aquino da Silva, Ben Ieong Man Pan, Carlos Marreiros, Denis Murrell, Heidi Ng, Hera Ieong, João Palla, Joaquim Cheong, Joey Ho, Konstantin Bessmertny, Lai Sio Kit, Lampo Leong and Chao Yang, Lio Hak Man, Lio Man Cheong, Lourenço Vicente, Maria Leal da Costa, Natalie Lao, Noah Ng, Nono Cheong, Raquel Gralheiro, Rui Rasquinho, Tong Chong, Victor Hugo Marreiros and Zhang Ke.
“These are commissioned works for the exhibition from Macau-based painters who we have been working with in recent years. Therefore, it was quite easy to organise this final selection of artists who will present their paintings, and also ceramics, sculpture, calligraphy, among others,” says José Isaac Duarte, one of the managers of the gallery.
Isaac Duarte observes that the first year in the life of the gallery “has been very difficult”, but he believes that the path is made by walking and now is a time for “looking to the future”.
“We had the gallery closed for two months, not to mention the remaining months without visitors. It was complicated, I admit, but that is just one more reason to celebrate”, he says.
The exhibition will include a number of new works never before exhibited and, for the first time for the gallery, the pieces will be for sale.
“It is fitting that at the dawn of a new year for our gallery, we celebrate this anniversary in the company of our friends. Those who, in one way or another, have accompanied us over the years, in this and other adventures. With a particular reference to our friends at Artyzen, whose support was, and is, an essential pillar in this endeavour. We come together and celebrate with an exhibition that brings together mainly local artists, which is a fitting symbol of the promise we made here a year ago: to serve the arts and the local community”, notes Isaac Duarte.
The gallery owner also states that they are finalising this year’s programme of activities with hopes to bring more international talent to exhibit as the city reopens.
“As the new circumstances consolidate, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening and developing the gallery as a focal point for artistic, social and educational exchanges,” he emphasises, stressing that as well as being an exhibition venue, Armagao Gallery intends to continue being a place for friendly and open social gatherings.
