Rui Pastorin in Hong Kong
Art lovers, artists and galleries from Hong Kong and other parts of the world have a chance to explore art from Macau at this year’s Art Central, with the Sands Gallery booth showcasing the works and distinct art styles of three of our local artists: Lei Ieng Wai, Leong Chi Mou and Dor Lio Hak Man.
Art Central is being held at the Central Harbourfront until Sunday, with the Sands Gallery booth showcasing over 40 artworks.
Each spoke to the Post about the art they are presenting in Hong Kong during the launch of the booth on Tuesday, highlighting with their excitement to showcase their works and spotlight Macau.
Science meets art
The worlds of science and art meet in artist Lei’s paintings, with three series of artworks presented at booth that were created over a span of 10 years.
As an artist, Lei uses scientific theory to make art – turning colour, ratios, and carefully calculated geometry into neat, repeating blocks and planes of light that mirror the movement and change of city life.
A message that Lei hopes to convey through his work is to encourage people to take things slow in a world where technology makes everything go faster, asking: “Do we really have to do it so fast? Can we do it slowly?”, he asked rhetorically, adding that these being reflective of his art and creation process, taking up to a year to complete a piece.
The artist added that being able to exhibit pieces at Art Central is a great opportunity, hoping to engage in artistic exchanges and meet other artists from different parts of the world during the period that his works are showcased, while also advancing his career.
Turning change into a new expression
Leong’s works, meanwhile, reflect change. As an artist, he explores how value and culture shape identity, as described in a statement by Sands China, with his work also exploring the tensions and connections between Macau’s culture and “artistic essence”.
Among the several pieces he is showcasing are mixed media works and paintings. Among them are those created using what he described as new media such as metals and gold, reflecting 10 years of change, he said, while also noting that he used Macau’s unique characteristics such as its cultural blend, aesthetics and way of life to turn them into a new style of expression. His works created through other mediums can also be found at the booth.
Through the event and the showcase of art, he hopes that people visiting from different parts of the world can have a new perspective of Macau and learn more about the city.
A playful twist
Lio’s art, meanwhile, sees a mix of Japanese manga and Western painting to build imaginative scenes and stories that speak to both everyday moments and deeper ideas.
Among the works he is presenting are acrylic paintings where he playfully depicts his friends as door gods (門神), which are divine protectors of doorways and gates in Chinese folk religion.
Creating a fun twist, the pieces, which include the representative work titled “Door Gods’ Game Battle”, see a mix of the traditional with modern elements, while smaller details in the background prompt a closer look at the many elements found in the pieces. Through these works specifically, he hopes that viewers will be able to get a harmonious and warm feeling as they walk through these doors.
Aside from these works, Lio also presents other more colourful and playful pieces at the Sands Gallery booth at Art Central, where he said he felt excited to showcase his work to people from all over, hoping that they will get to know both Macau and his art. He also hopes that people can resonate with the pieces he is showcasing, while also helping to encourage them to slow down and relax amidst a busy life.
*This article is the second of a two-part article, with more on
https://www.macaupostdaily.com/news/27786
Lei Ieng Wai stands between two paintings from the series of works he is showcasing in Hong Kong.
Leong Chi Mou poses with one of works displayed at the Sands Gallery booth in Hong Kong until Sunday. – Photos taken on Tuesday in Hong Kong by Rui Pastorin
Dor Lio Hak Man poses with one of his works being showcased at the Sands Gallery booth at Art Central in Hong Kong.
