An exhibition titled “Modern Vision, Timeless Technique” is showcasing the works of local artists Leong Kit Man and Tsang Tseng Tseng at Mandarin Oriental, Macau, in Nape, where a total of 15 pieces are on display.
Having been launched on Tuesday and commemorating the hotel’s 15th anniversary at its current location, the works are showcased at the hotel’s lobby and Lobby Lounge. Exhibition curator and Art for All Society (AFA) President Alice Kok (郭恬熙) highlighted during Tuesday’s opening that the paintings celebrate the “depth and vitality” of contemporary Chinese painting.
Regarding the artworks, a statement provided by the organisers noted that Leong, who is also a curator and assistant professor of fine arts at the Faculty of Humanities and Arts of the private Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), uses the Gongbi* (工筆) technique, a medium characterised by “intricate detail and fine brushwork”.
Meanwhile, Tsang, who is pursuing a doctorate at the China Academy of Art and is a lecturer at City University of Macau, creates works through shan shui (山水; mountain water), a traditional Chinese art form focused on landscapes, according to the statement.
Kok elaborated in the statement that Leong’s art focuses on “‘brush sentiment’ (筆情) – or carefully handling the brushstroke in order to convey a particular feeling or temperament”. Tsang’s art, meanwhile, delves into the concept of “ink character” (墨性) or “the inherent qualities and expressive vitality of the ink itself”, Kok added.
Moreover, Mandarin Oriental, Macau General Manager Franck Droin underlined in his speech at the opening ceremony the emotions created within those going through the lobby since the paintings were put up. The lobby is a place that, for many, is the first and last stop of the journey of those travelling to Macau. And when guests stopped to look at the works, he remarked: “I’m pretty sure that they leave Macau not with an empty suitcase, but full of emotion”, he concluded.
The exhibition is organised by Mandarin Oriental, Macau; AFA; and Macao News. The works are showcased until August 31.
*Gongbi, according to AI chatbot Poe is directly translated as “meticulous” or “fine brush”.
Photos taken on Tuesday by Rui Pastorin
