Portuguese artist Artur Bordalo, known as Bordalo II, unveiled his two new public art projects at the long-defunct Old Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Taipa and the erstwhile Lai Chi Vun Shipyards in Coloane, respectively during a press briefing held at Iec Long on Tuesday.
Artur Bordalo chose the name Bordalo II as a tribute to his grandfather, Real Bordalo, a painter who greatly influenced him during his time spent in the latter’s studio. In his youth, Bordalo II was involved in the underground world of illegal graffiti in Lisbon. Public spaces soon became the main stage for Bordalo II’s explorations of colour and scale. They served as a platform for him to channel his artistic practices.
During the introduction to his artwork, Bordalo II emphasised his artistic beliefs, which highlight the excessive production and consumption of goods leading to the generation of “garbage” and potential environmental destruction. He noted that the theme is central to his artistic production, as he extensively uses waste materials. For instance, his artworks, such as the Baby Lynx displayed at the Exhibitions Gallery and Nostalgic House of Taipa Houses, are assemblages made of wood, plastic, and discarded objects.
The public artwork at the Old Iec Long Firecracker Factory showcases an over four-metre-tall upside-down panda, primarily made from colourful plastic waste.
Bordalo II said that while some parts of the panda were constructed in Macau, the head was created in Portugal due to the need for meticulous design and the difficulty in finding the exact waste materials within a short timeframe. The structure was carefully planned by architects to ensure its stability, while Bordalo II focused primarily on the exterior appearance.
When asked about his choice of using a panda and why it was upside down, Bordalo II expressed his fondness for highlighting endangered animals that are greatly affected by environmental issues. Regarding the upside-down position, he noted that as the head was created first, it made more technical sense to use it as the foundation of the art project.
Bordalo II said his aim was to use his artwork as a means of conveying a universal manifesto for the preservation of not only animals but also humanity in this shared world. He added that he faces the ongoing challenge of striking a balance between business, public acceptance, and artistic expression, which he considers one of the major challenges for contemporary artists.
Furthermore, Bordalo II praised the environment of the Old Iec Long Firecracker Factory, which combines nature and old structures, providing ample space for visitors to view the panda artwork from various angles.
According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) webpage, the public artwork at the Old Iec Long Firecracker Factory will be available for viewing daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., including public holidays, except for Wednesday afternoons. While the artwork at Lai Chi Vun Shipyards is accessible to the public 24/7. For more information, including Bordalo II’s exhibition at the Exhibitions Gallery and Nostalgic House of Taipa Houses, visit the webpage: icm.gov.mo/FCP/2023/en/events/Programme5?fbclid=IwAR0utitzQwfIwzcdXU7gYkIX8BtYPCNI6n8eIDqzjLkKa7nmneHyFwYfMtw.
Bordalo II introduces his public art project at the Old Iec Long Firecracker Factory on Tuesday. – Photo: William Chan
