Interview by William Chan
The Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre is hosting “Alice’s Kitchen War,” the latest instalment of the “Curiouser & Curiouser” exhibition series. Running from July 8 to September 3 on the centre’s LG Floor, the exhibition reimagines the chaotic “Pig and Pepper” chapter from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Mel Cheong Hoi I, a featured artist in previous editions of the Post,* has stepped into the role of curator. She invited Macau installation artist Lee Chon In to transform the physical space. In an interview with the Post at the site, Cheong discussed her transition from artist to curator, emphasising her commitment to creating opportunities for local talent.
“We aim to offer more opportunities to local artists, uncovering their talents and presenting them to the public,” Cheong noted. Her background as an artist heavily influences her curatorial style, allowing her to approach the creative process with a dual perspective. Cheong explained that she prefers giving artists the freedom to interpret themes independently, stepping in with guidance only to align individual ideas with the broader vision.
At the centre of the installation stands a prominent three-metre by three-metre cauldron. Suspended directly above it is an array of clouds and flying kitchen utensils, capturing the specific moment from Carroll’s story when the cook hurls cooking utensils and crockery across the Duchess’s kitchen.
Cheong emphasised that installation art allows for greater visitor engagement than traditional two-dimensional media. While print exhibitions often draw only brief visual passes from visitors, interactive installations encourage audiences to linger, explore different physical angles, and spend extended time experiencing the space.
Balancing Sound, Space, and Scarcity
Audioscapes present another layer of artistic collaboration. Unlike previous iterations that featured bright, child-friendly tunes, this installation incorporates a classical score composed by musician Kelvin Wong. Cheong admitted she initially hesitated, fearing the calm tempo might conflict with the dynamic energy of the kitchen scene. “I almost fell asleep listening to it during early reviews,” she laughed. Ultimately, she embraced the composition, viewing the contrast as a valuable artistic collision.
The exhibition integrates live performance alongside static elements. The local Route Arts Association contributes mime performances, featuring a cast that includes deaf and mute actors. Cheong noted that directing the troupe required minimal intervention due to their established history of collaboration across past projects.
Achieving a balanced presentation requires continuous compromise among creative elements. Cheong aimed for an egalitarian dynamic where no single discipline dominates the installation. For instance, after the team constructed the central cauldron, the performing artists requested that it remain hollow so they could step inside during routines, prompting adjustments to the structural design.
Financial constraints also shaped the production process. “As local artists, we have to balance time and effort constantly,” Cheong reflected. “While some parts of the process might not feel entirely artistic, we must take the time to handle them directly because budget limitations prevent us from outsourcing to external teams.” Despite these financial boundaries, Cheong expressed gratitude to the Macau Tower management for supporting and extending the exhibition series since 2019.
The exhibition is open daily with free admission. The Route Arts Association artistes will present mime performances on select Sundays –August 2 and August 9 – with two sessions daily at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, the venue hosts weekly interactive workshops designed for parents and children aged five to 13. Held on four consecutive Sundays from July 26 to August 9 between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the LG Floor, these sessions focus on object play, narrative adaptation, physical exploration, and movement creation. Registration fees range from 150 patacas for a single parent-child session to 560 patacas for a four-session package covering two children and a parent, with online registration required.
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Curator Mel Cheong Hoi I (third from right, second row) and artist Lee Chon In (left, second row) pose with guests and performers earlier this month at the Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre. – Photos provided by Cheong
This undated file photo shows Mel Cheong posing in front of her art piece, Escape from the Torrent.
The cauldron is on display on the LG floor at the Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre.
