A Celebration of Unity through Traditional Art and Innovative Technique
Marking a triple celebration—the 75th Anniversary of thePeople’s Republic of China, the 25th Anniversary of Macao’s return to Motherland,and the Mid-Autumn Festival—SJM proudly unveils the“Dragons of the Four Seas Tribute to Macau” Lantern Art Exhibition, joining handswith the Macau Artist Society for the third year in a row. This dazzling display will beopen from today until 30 November, gracing the Grand Lisboa Palace and Hong Kung Temple Square, heralding one of SJM’s premier cultural spectacles of the year. The exhibition, supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Macao Government Tourism Office, was launched with a delightful ceremony at the Jardim Secreto of Grand Lisboa Palace today. It gathers an esteemed group of artists from the Greater Bay Area alongside a celebrated master of light-drawing from China, weaving traditional lantern craftsmanship, vibrant graffiti, fine brush painting, and advanced light-drawing techniques. Together, they crafted four majestic lantern installations inspired by this year’s zodiac sign, the dragon, further shining a spotlight on Macau as a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”
The kick-off ceremony was jointly presided over by Mr. Wang Huijie, Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Cheang Kai Meng, Acting President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Ms. Jennifer Si Tou, Head of Tourism Product and Events Department of Macao Government Tourism Office; Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM; and Mr. Lai Ieng, Honorary President of the Macau Artist Society. The participating artists include Mr. Li Wentao, an inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage for traditional colourful lanterns in Foshan; Mr. Wang Sibo, acclaimed as the world-renowned light-drawing master and a pioneer in light-drawing artist in China; Mr. Uncle Tsang, a prominent graffiti artist from Hong Kong; and Ms. Lao Chon Hong, a distinguished local artist, who all attended to officially light up the lanterns in Macau. The event also featured appearances by the Macao Tourism Mascot “Mak Mak” and SJM’s mascot “Sam the Rooster,” adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion. Mr. Wang Sibo, using light as his brush and the night sky as his canvas, delivered a spectacular live light-drawing performance of a dancing dragon. This stunning performance immersed the audience in a visual feast that blended tradition and modernity.
Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, remarked, “Lantern-making is an art form steeped in rich historical significance. In honour of the Year of the Dragon, we have unveiled four grand dragon lanterns, each a beacon of blessings. One of these lanterns was collaboratively crafted by local residents and displayed in the Macau community, making it a true symbol of their spirit and unity.” She added, “These creations, forged by artists from the Greater Bay Area and China’s foremost light-drawing master, beautifully fuse traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and contemporary culture. This collaborative approach not only refreshes the art of lantern-making but also highlights Macau’s “One Base” role as a hub for cultural and artistic exchanges between the East and West, solidifying its position as a vibrant participant in the Greater Bay Area’s cultural landscape.”
Mr. Lai Sio Kit, representative of the Macau Artist Society, stated, “Four accomplished artists, Wang Sibo, Li Wentao, Uncle Tsang, and Lao Chon Hong, have created a captivating series of lantern art pieces inspired by the theme of “Dragon.” Blending contemporary art trends with traditional lantern making techniques, they have pushed creative boundaries, showcasing the dazzling allure of China’s exceptional traditional culture. These four installations symbolise the prosperity, innovation, inclusivity, and inheritance of our Motherland and Macau, inspiring our aspirations for a brighter future.”
“Dragons of the Four Seas Tribute to Macau” Lantern Art Exhibition showcases four extraordinary lanterns. Guests can marvel at the artistry of the lanterns and also immerse themselves in an augmented reality (AR) experience by scanning QR Codes. This innovative blend of reality and virtuality transcends spatial boundaries, creating a truly unforgettable experience of appreciating lanterns. Taking the opportunity of the Lantern Art Exhibition, SJM has also designed a range of community engagement initiatives to further enrich and enhance the event’s appeal and influence. Earlier, Mr. Li Wentao conducted a live demonstration at the Grand Lisboa Palace, showcasing the creation process behind the “Lumina Dragon.” Today, the four artists also participated in a masterclass sharing session, engaging in a lively exchange with close to 100 professors and students from the City University of Macau, Macao Polytechnic University, and Macau University of Science and Technology, sharing their insights on lantern creation. Additionally, a hands-on lantern-making workshop led by Mr. Li Wentao was also held during the sharing session to promote traditional lantern making techniques and culture to the younger generation.
Extended activities during the exhibition period further include an acrylic art lantern workshop led by Ms. Lao Chon Hong at Hong Kung Temple Square on 14 September. This workshop offers citizens the unique opportunity to craft their own lanterns and potentially incorporate them into Ms. Lao’s “Eclipse Dragon” exhibit. Moreover, on designated weekends in September, the newly opened GLP Arte will host a variety of arts and crafts sessions, inviting both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the rich diversity of Chinese cultural arts.
Going forward, SJM will continue its dedication towards hosting events such as the “Dragons of the Four Seas Tribute to Macau” Lantern Art Exhibition, which serve as dynamic platforms for showcasing artistic innovations from the Greater Bay Area and beyond. These events reinforce Macau’s position as a “base for exchange and co-operation where Chinese culture prevails and diverse cultures coexist,” bringing more novel experiences of traditional Chinese culture to tourists and residents alike.
