As we go to print with this summer issue of Macau CLOSER, we are all dealing with very challenging and unusual times. Usually, our July-August issue might focus on topics like travel and holiday destinations, or healthy outdoor activities and sports, or great local restaurants and staycation offers. But alas, none of those topics seem anywhere near appropriate under the current circumstances.
In the city’s battle to contain COVID-19, we have all been locked up for weeks, unable to go to work, play and exercise outside, or see family and friends. And of course, our daily routines have mostly revolved around booking and doing NAT tests.
However, as we reach August, there does seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel, so we must remain hopeful that things are going to improve and we can get back to life as normal very soon. From the whole CLOSER team, we hope you are all surviving and staying healthy and sane, and a special thank you to all the health workers and volunteers who have been working so hard these past few weeks!
As we have all had limited access to the real physical world recently, this issue we are looking at the colourful and imaginative virtual world of digital art and those strange, elusive items known as NFTs. As an Arts magazine, we have always featured a wide variety of local talent in the art world, but this is the first time for us to really focus on those Macau artists working primarily in the digital realm. And as this year is our 15th anniversary, we have chosen 15 of some of the most interesting artists in this field to show you. We also delve into NFTs to try to figure out what all the buzz is.
Still in the art world, we talk to a few local artists about how they have found creativity and inspiration in the recent lockdown times. And we catch up with local filmmaker Max Bessmertny to learn about his work on his upcoming first-ever feature-length movie.
In Home Affairs, we visit the lovely Ocean Gardens apartment of Julia Herold, and we chat with Hugo Almeida about the success of Macau’s Capoeira club and his father, Master Eddy’s recent battle with cancer and his recovery.
Back in late June, we were fortunate enough to visit the new Serensia Woods wellness complex in Hengqin and we report on that experience in this issue. Likely many of our readers could use a trip there in the near future to unwind and recharge!
And finally, we chat with Laranja Vera Carter about her recent experience and success at the World Madam event.
Stay strong and positive readers, and let’s hope the coming weeks and months give us all a chance to get outside for some fresh air and enjoy the rest of summer!
Happy Reading!
