A joint calligraphy exhibition inspired by the works of Portuguese poet and writer Fernando Pessoa opened at Rui Cunha Foundation (FRC) gallery yesterday, showcasing 44 pieces that present Pessoa’s poetry in both Portuguese and Chinese calligraphy through the artistic collaboration of local calligraphers Fernando António and Choi Chun Heng.
Titled “Poems of Fernando Pessoa”, the exhibition will remain on display until July 4. The collection features calligraphic interpretations of poems by Pessoa (1888-1935), one of Portugal’s most celebrated literary figures, rendered in Chinese and Portuguese.
Pessoa was a Portuguese a poet, writer, literary critic, translator, and publisher. According to a detailed article by Wikipedia on his life and work, Pessoa has been described as one of the world’s most significant literary figures of the 20th century and one of the greatest poets in Portuguese literature. He also wrote in and translated from English and French.
According to a statement by the gallery yesterday, the exhibition follows the duo’s 2024 showcase, “Calligraphy of Aphorisms in Portuguese and Chinese”, which focused on Eastern philosophical thoughts translated into Macau’s two official languages.
According to the calligraphers, the positive public response to that exhibition encouraged them to develop a new project centred on Portuguese literature.
António, 75, is a Macanese calligrapher, collector and president of the Supervisory Board of the Macau Orient Painting and Calligraphy Association (MOPCA), the statement said, adding that he participated in the 3rd MOPCA Members’ Works Exhibition, co-organised by the FRC gallery in September 2019.
Speaking to the Post on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, António said he chose Pessoa primarily because of his admiration for the poet and the abundance of material available for artistic interpretation. “I like Fernando Pessoa because he has a lot of poems for me to copy [for calligraphy]”, António said, adding that he would visit locations associated with the poet whenever he travels to Portugal, namely Pessoa’s statue in Lisbon.
António added that his interest in calligraphy began during his high-school years when he attended calligraphy classes, an experience that inspired him to continue practising the art form for decades.
Moreover, António noted that adapting Portuguese writing to traditional brush calligraphy remains challenging. He said suitable brushes are difficult to find, pointing out that only a small number of those he purchases are capable of producing the style he seeks. “Portuguese calligraphy is very challenging. If I buy a hundred brushes and find just 10 that work for me, I consider it a success. Not all brushes are suitable for my work”, he noted.
António also said that, from today, the gallery will feature 10 additional exhibits featuring paintings of Pessoa. However, he chose not to name the painter. Yesterday, only one painting of the poet was displayed at the exhibition.
Meanwhile, Choi, a veteran calligraphy instructor and chairman of Macau Da Feng Tang Art House, joined António in presenting the exhibition.
With free admission, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore the intersection of Portuguese literature and Chinese calligraphic traditions, while highlighting Macau’s role as a meeting point between Eastern and Western cultures.
Exhibitiongoers can visit the gallery at 749 Avenida da Praia Grande, Luen Pong Building, open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
Local calligrapher and collector Fernando António poses with one of his exhibits during yesterday’s “Poems of Fernando Pessoa” exhibition at FRC gallery in Nam Van.
Local calligrapher Choi Chun Heng addresses yesterday’s opening ceremony at the gallery. – Photos: Khalel Vallo
