10 Fantasia gallery, which is located on Calçada da lgreja de S. Lázaro, is presenting its Picture Book Festival, bringing a local annual event centred around picture book reading to visitors.
A statement at the gallery noted that through exhibitions, lectures, booth displays and workshops, it aims to facilitate interactions between picture book creators and readers, promoting the development of Macau’s picture book industry and enhancing citizens’ sense of identity with local culture.
The festival’s exhibitions use vivid, interesting illustrations and easily understandable text narratives, aiming to inspire children to understand the importance of environmental and cultural conservation.
The festival’s inauguration took place on Saturday, where guests visited six exhibition rooms at the 10 Fantasia building, engaging with curators and book authors to better understand the books displayed.
The first exhibition is Colégio Diocesano de São José 4th Branch’s “BRAVE GRADS” – a graduation picture book created collectively by kindergarten English department graduates, edited by their teacher.
The second exhibition, “The Field of Children’s Heart”, features a programme co-produced by several local publication and literature organisations. Through various storytellers and children’s educators who interview authors with the aim of understanding their inspiration, the programme introduces local children’s picture books to parents and children.
The third exhibition showcases the illustrations of the children’s picture book “Gugumelo’s travel to the Black Hole”, exploring the mysterious unknown world of the universe centred around black holes.
The fourth exhibition showcases the book “The Butterfly That Wasn’t Painted Gold,” where the author Lydia Ieong (楊穎虹) intertwines personal experiences with themes of special education. Through her writings, she aims to foster personal and societal introspection and growth.
The fifth exhibition, “Treasures of Qingzhou Mountain” (青洲山寶藏), a watercolour illustration exhibition, showcases the original paintings of the picture book watercolour illustrations by local artist Fang Huiping.
The last section, “Open World – ‘The Birth and Evolution of Children’s Picture Books’ Exhibition Series”, features two picture books, “Orbis Pictus” (“Visible World in Pictures”) and “[Verb.]”. The Post published an interview with its curator Cynthia Chan Lok Si last Wednesday.
In an online interview on Sunday, Chan noted that the opportunity to participate and showcase their works is invaluable, as this dedicated series of exhibitions on children’s literature and illustrations allows viewers to gain insights into the creative minds behind these local authors and collaborators, fostering a deeper understanding of their thought processes.
Beyond the exhibitions, Chan noted that there are also on-site booths selling local picture books and cultural products, which so far have captured the attention and even resulted in purchases by many children, tourists, and local adults.
The festival is on until September 29.
Cynthia Chan Lok Si poses in her exhibition room recently.
These photos taken last week show the Picture Book Festival exhibitions at 10 Fantasia. – Photo: Cynthia Chan
