Recently the city has been invaded…not by tourists, (although that’s probably true too), but by a wide variety of amazing contemporary art pieces from a number of internationally renowned artists. In this, its inaugural year, Art Macao will run for five months, with exhibitions and art works on display all around the city, from the Macao Art Museum to a number of consulates-general, outdoor venues and all six of the major integrated resort operators. The idea is to try to offer a more diverse tourist experience based around culture and creativity, and to increasingly put the city on the map as a hub for contemporary art. And to culturally enrich the lives of us locals too, of course!
In our cover story this issue we look particularly at two of the largest art works being presented as part of Art Macao – Jennifer Wen Ma’s A Metamorphosis: No End to End, a large-scale immersive multimedia and art installation, and Yang Yongliang’s stunning digital art piece Journey to the Dark II – both being hosted at MGM Cotai. We also discover other entertaining offerings at MGM this summer – the delicious flavors of Wagyumafia and the mind-blowing performance of Fuerza Bruta Wayra.
And for a more detailed overview of all the exhibitions of Art Macao, check out our special supplement included in this issue.
In the world of cinema, we speak with Chinese author Yan Geling, about the recently released movie A City Called Macau, based on her novel, and directed by Li Shaohong. And local independent cinema, Cinematheque Passion provides a critique of The Portuguese Woman, screened this month as part of the 2nd China and Portuguese-speaking Countries Film Festival.
Our Portfolio section this issue features the creative collaboration of environmental activist, artist and regular contributor to Macau CLOSER, Tanja Wessels, together with photographer Alex Macro. Their work, Eco Atrophy brings attention to the current crisis of plastic waste and climate change in a very creative and visually impactful way.
We also take a look back at the amazing life, career and creations of renowned architect I.M. Pei, who passed away in May at the age of 102.
On the Gourmet scene, we join the festivities for the first anniversary of the superb Alain Ducasse at Morpheus, City of Dreams, speaking personally with the celebrated chef about his amazing culinary creations and numerous Michelin stars. We also catch up with the very charismatic Chef Martinho Moniz, as he introduces diners to the delights of his hometown in Portugal, through his menu at Vic’s Restaurante at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf.
In Home Affairs, we meet Macau newcomer Kelly Tsoi, who shows us around her Ocean Garden’s home, and introduces her healthy lifestyle company Root Matters. And we get to know talented local artist Kay Zhang in this issue’s Q&A section.
Finally, Closing Story details the disturbing situation of domestic violence in the city, and the shortcomings of investigating and punishing the perpetrators.
Happy Summer Reading!
