A large-scale digital art piece entitled “Giraffe meets Qilin” is currently on display at MGM COTAI’s The Spectacle, with the works of local artist Eric Fok Hoi Seng brought to life across 25 high-resolution LED screens.
The qilin (麒麟) is a legendary hooved chimerical creature that appears in Chinese mythology, and is said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler, according to Wikipedia.
The integrated resort operator has been collaborating with Fok since MGM COTAI opened, according to MGM’s website, adding that the current art piece, which is Fok’s first digital one, features his decade-long art series and “Renaissance”, commissioned by MGM, for “Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023”, altogether creating a 10-minute journey through history using art.
A separate MGM statement added that the digital art piece utilises a combination of digital editing techniques including animation and displays depictions of the Maritime Silk Road, Macau’s landmarks and features, among others, through intricate antique style maps drawn by Fok with a technical pen.
Speaking to reporters after the digital art piece was unveiled last Wednesday, Fok said that through the opportunity provided by MGM, he has been able to put his past hand-drawn works onto a digital platform, featuring animations and a lively touch to his drawings. Fok also told The Macau Post Daily it was the first time for him to see his works displayed in such a dynamic way.
Fok’s remarks in Cantonese and Putonghua were translated by the resort operator’s PR staff.
Moreover, MGM Senior Vice President of Arts & Culture Cristina Kuok Wai Sum told The Macau Post Daily that Fok has always been very close to MGM, with the company having added several of his pieces to its collection.
Kuok added that plans for this particular piece, which showcases originality and innovation, started when the company commissioned Fok for a piece during this year’s Art Macao event. “From that conversation, we started talking about animating his work into this huge spectacle”, which holds the Guinness World Records title for the largest free-span gridshell glazed roof (self-supporting).
A few discussions with an animation group were held, as Fok’s works are of a “very fine, traditional map style”, but there is still a “very whimsical, a very fun side” to be found within them, Kuok noted, adding that The Spectacle is also about enjoyment and leisure, as well as being designed to integrate art and technology, along with its architectural design.
“Giraffe meets Qilin” is shown daily, starting at 1:10 p.m., 3:10 p.m., 5:10 p.m. and 7:10 p.m. More details can be found on: https://www.mgm.mo/en/cotai/entertainment/giraffe-meets-qilin
Local artist Eric Fok (霍凱盛) poses at MGM COTAI last Wednesday.
MGM Senior Vice President of Arts & Culture Cristina Kuok Wai Sum speaks with reporters at MGM COTAI last Wednesday.
Scenes of “Giraffe meets Qilin” being showcased at MGM COTAI. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
