Integrated resort operator MGM is presenting the works of contemporary Chinese sculptor Ren Zhe in his first Macau solo exhibition “MGM X Ren Zhe – ‘Legends of Chivalry’ Selling Exhibition”, which features around 20 sculptures, including the first officially authorised sculptures of classic characters of wuxia (“martial arts and chivalry”) novelist Jin Yong* and works from Ren’s warrior series.
The exhibition, which is located at MGM COTAI’s M Art Gallery, is on year-round. It aims to promote “the timeless legend of Jin Yong’s legendary heroes throughout Macau and the Greater Bay Area (GBA)”, according to an MGM statement earlier this week. Ren’s works also portray the “vast Jianghu world”.
Jianghu, according to Wikipedia, is a “Chinese term that generally refers to the milieu in which many Chinese wuxia, xianxia, and gong’an stories are set”.
Aside from the sculptures, the exhibition also features Ren’s manuscripts and prints, as well as the global debut of the artist’s series of home décor products titled “ARTI_DIVINE” and his “RE_DIVINE” Chinese-style fashion collection, MGM’s website adds, with both being inspired by ancient Chinese philosophy.
Ren is known for combining traditional Chinese culture with contemporary Western techniques in his works. Born in 1983 and a graduate of Tsinghua University’s Academy of Arts & Design, the artist’s sculptures are “highly sought after in the art auction market and have repeatedly set records for bidding prices”, according to the statement.
One can visit the exhibition from 12 noon to 8 p.m. daily. Docent-guided tours are also available. For more details, visit https://www.mgm.mo/
*Wikipedia notes that Jin Yong was the pen name of Louis Cha Leung-yung (1924-2018), adding that he was one of the “Three Legs of the Tripod of Wuxia”, and is also known as one of the “Four Great Talents of Hong Kong”. Cha was also an essayist who co-founded the Hong Kong daily newspaper Ming Pao in 1959 and served as its first editor-in-chief.
Photos taken yesterday by Rui Pastorin
