A quarter of a century’s works by nine seasoned artists are on display in Sands Gallery’s latest exhibition entitled “Echoes of a Golden Age: Macro Events through the Micro Visions of Macao’s Legendary Contemporary Artists”, which officially kicked off earlier this week and closes on January 5.
A statement on Monday by integrated resort operator Sands China quoted Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai as saying: “As this year marks dual celebrations, this exhibition aims to take visitors on a journey by revisiting the glorious moments in Macau’s development and its local conditions and customs through the artists’ extraordinary perspectives, and to extend our heartfelt best wishes for our country and Macau”.
From watercolours to Chinese ink paintings to photography, the 121 works on display are by artists Lai Ieng, Lok Hei, Ng Wai Kin, Guilherme Ung Vai Meng, Lio Man Cheong, Lei Tak Seng, Chan Hin Io, Ao Kuan Kin, and Lam Chi Ian, who is also the exhibition’s curator. All of them designed stamps for the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau (CTT) over the past 25 years, with the Sands China statement noting that they each reflect “historical changes in the macro environment through their micro visions”.
On its curation and theme, Lam told the Post during the exhibition’s opening that he wanted to connect the people who not only paint or sketch, among others, but are among the designers who designed stamps for CTT with a variety of themes such as for Macau’s return to the motherland and National Day. “So that’s of a very significant meaning to us”.
Among Lam’s works showcased are a watercolour created for the exhibition featuring Macau’s architecture and horizon, and another watercolour painted last year comprised of four individual paintings put together and connecting Macau’s skyline, each having a different colour theme and incorporating the four seasons, framed as if viewing Macau from a window, explained the artist.
Moreover, veteran artist Ung told the Post that he is showcasing around eight sketches and several stamps, with their designs created using sketching and watercolour techniques, which are elements that he used during his whole life.
His previously designed stamps for CTT feature the Macau Grand Prix and aspects of the city’s architecture, among others, and he pointed out that “Macau has a very rich environment for any artist”.
Ung added that the city has changed a lot over the past few years and though he prefers the city’s quieter times, it remains “very attractive” to him, and he hopes that Macau can continue to keep its history, culture and heritage in the future.
Art is something that he remains passionate about, and it is a path that is very important to him, Ung said. He added that during his time as a civil servant and even now as a distinguished guest professor and doctoral mentor at the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), he always tries to make more time for creative activities, adding that his love and passion for the arts is something he cannot change.
The free-admission exhibition is located on the sixth floor of The Grand Suites at Four Seasons. One can visit it from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. More information is on
https://en.sandsresortsmacao.com/sands-lifestyle/sands-art-gallery.html
Artist Ung Vai Meng poses with his artwork exhibited at Sands Gallery in Cotai for the exhibition “Echoes of a Golden Age: Macro Events through the Micro Visions of Macao’s Legendary Contemporary Artists” during the opening event on Monday.
Artist and exhibition curator Lam Chi Ian poses with his watercolour painting during the opening event.
These photos show works by different artists, including Ung and Lam, featured in the exhibition. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
