Six creators from Macau continue to take on themes related to the beauty of imperfection, along with happiness, through art in the ongoing joint dual-themed exhibition at the Former Municipal Cattle Stable, which is now in its final three days.
The free-admission exhibition is located at the junction of Avenida do Coronel Mesquita (美副將大馬路) and Avenida do Almirante Lacerda (罅些喇提督大馬路), and is part of the annual “ART POWER JAMMING” exhibition organised by Ark – Association of Macau Art (AAMA).
The current edition takes on the themes “99 percent” and “HEY! Were you happy today?”, arranged in an interconnected way to allow viewers to see the core themes that intertwine and unfold as they explore the artworks presented.
The pieces displayed span from photography to mosaics to various paintings. Opening with “99%” that features a series of photographs taken by Akiaya (秋綾), Ken Wong (王嘉誠) and Leong Chi Kong, with works ranging from showing that happiness can be found even in the smallest of spaces to highlighting parallels.
This theme, as pointed out in a statement displayed at the venue, photographs the beauty of life’s imperfections, as well as highlights how people cannot help but looking back at the “what if” or outcome of an unchosen path, overlooking what they might already have while noting imperfection. “This inner conflict born of choice, and the struggle arising from dissatisfaction, is precisely the most authentic urban state of mind hidden in the 99 percent of ordinary moments”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, “HEY! Are you happy today?” sees mixed media artworks presented by Si Meng Chu, Dophine Wong (黃安兒) and Rebecca Tai (戴美儀), with works exploring everything from childlike wonder through incorporating “balloon motifs” to happiness found while working on a difficult art discipline like mosaics.
Harkening back to the first theme, the statement said that when exhibitiongoers sincerely confront 99 percent of their daily regrets and face their inner struggles, they arrive at the question that the second theme asks.
“By examining the course of a single day, the creators and audience together contemplate and uncover the moments of joy that are truly worth celebrating”, the statement noted.
With the two themes intertwined and building on each other, the exhibition encourages reflection and an exploration of their emotions, the statement added.
One can visit the exhibition from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the remainder of its run, after which the works will also be displayed at Café Voyage, located at 31-A Rua do Padre António Roliz, Pou Mei On Bldg, ground floor, from Saturday through September 12.
On the organisers, an introduction to the group displayed at the gallery highlighted that AAMA is a constantly growing group that brings together Macau’s art enthusiasts. Established in 2014, the group organises a variety of activities for Macau residents to be given the opportunity to learn about art, express creativity and experience the joy of creation.
– Photos: Rui Pastorin
