Review by Rui Pastorin
The talents of Macau’s youth are being showcased across two ongoing, unrelated exhibitions in the city, with one presenting the winning works from a recent sculpture contest for secondary school students, while the other celebrates the 95th anniversary of Colégio Diocesano de São José 5 (CDSJ5).
Each exhibition presents a showcase of talent and creativity, which visitors will still be able to view as each respective exhibition approaches their final run. While both may not be under the same organiser, they achieve something in the same vein: giving members of the public a glimpse of the talents behind the city’s capable youngsters.
Creativity through unique sculptures
At the Pavilion of Exhibitions and Artistic Shows for Young People (青少年展藝館) in Praça do Tap Siac, a showcase of impressive works awaits visitors, whether that’s fellow students, curious passers-by and those with a love for art.
There, one can find a total of 26 winning works by groups that joined the recently held “Macao Secondary School Student Sculpture Art Competition”, which marked its 22nd year. Each of the pieces were chosen from 132 artworks submitted by 319 students from 26 schools in Macau, as noted in an exhibition introduction at the free-admission venue by organiser the Macau Sculpture Association.
The result sees eye-catching exhibits that present students’ creativity across various themes and materials, from utilising a dissected chocolate milk carton to creating a turtle-like creature using a circuit board to mixed media including drinking straws, paper and cotton, to name a few, to create something unique.
“The dedication of these students, who poured their passion into art creation during their after-school hours, is truly commendable and fully demonstrates the high level of interest and love young people have for three-dimensional creation”, according to the statement, also highlighting the young participants’ “increasingly mature in their use of mediums and artistic expression”.
The exhibition is in its final five days, being on showcase until Sunday. One may continue to view the variety of works on display from 12:00 noon through 8:00 p.m. during the remainder of the period.
Celebrating 95 years: Colégio Diocesano de São José 5 (CDSJ5)
Meanwhile, at the Centre of Educational Resources’ Zizhan Gallery opposite S. Francisco Garden, students as young as kindergarteners and up to senior high schoolers are presenting works in an exhibition celebrating Colégio Diocesano de São José 5’s (CDSJ5) 95th anniversary.
Titled Exposição de Obras Arte do 95.o Aniversário do Colégio Diocesano de São José 5. (“Exhibition of Works of Art from the 95th Anniversary of the Diocesan College of São José 5.”), the works displayed are varied in themes and methods.
From paintings of different disciplines and fine liner drawings to pieces replicating food including dim sum, cakes and Macau delicacies, visitors will be treated to a raft of pieces in this colourful exhibition. Printmaking, 3D structures and classroom assignments are also among those showcased. The exhibition even starts before one sets foot in the gallery, with items also presented on window displays.
A Facebook post by the school notes that over 100 works are featured in the exhibition.
Moreover, a recent statement by the school displayed at the gallery points out that art was used as a medium to gather students’ meticulously crafted works, which were created through their unique perspectives to portray life reflection, campus memories and gratefulness.
Exhibitiongoers may view the works until Saturday, with the gallery being open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from today through Friday. On Saturday, it will be open between 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., as well as 2:00 p.m. and 5:40 p.m.
Exhibits are showcased at the Pavilion of Exhibitions and Artistic Shows for Young People in Praça do Tap Siac. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
Students from Colégio Diocesano de São José 5’s (CDSJ5) display their works at Centre of Educational Resources’ Zizhan Gallery opposite S. Francisco Garden.
