Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government
Located on the South China Sea coast, Macao is an important node on the Maritime Silk Road. In the late 16th century, the Italian missionary Matteo Ricci entered the Chinese mainland via Macao, embarking on a crucial journey in the history of cultural exchanges between China and the West.
For centuries, Chinese people have lived harmoniously and inclusively with different cultures and nationalities in Macao, leading to significant mutual development and complementarity. These interactions have helped the city move towards exchange and cooperation, with Chinese culture as the mainstream and the coexistence of different cultures. This notion reflects the wisdom of ‘respecting differences harmoniously’ rooted in traditional Chinese culture.
The Venice Biennale is the most globally influential contemporary art platform, allowing each country and region to promote their cultural image and exchange creative ideas. This edition marks the ninth time that the Macao Museum of Art has organised the participation of local artists in this international art event under the designation ‘Macao, China’. I am delighted to see Above Zobeide, Exhibition from Macao, China, presented by local curator Chang Chan and young artist Wong Weng Cheong, representing Macao at the 60th Venice Biennale. The proposal for this exhibition stood out among other public submissions. Inspired by a novel and attempting to express concern about the development of human civilisation by creating an imaginary world, the proposal is highly creative, visionary and original, aligning with the theme of this year’s Biennale: ‘Foreigners Everywhere’.
I hope that Macao artists will promote the diversity and appeal of Macao’s contemporary art on the international stage at the Venice Biennale, enabling global audiences to gain a better understanding of the current developments in local art. The exhibition will also serve as an inspiration for the audience to contemplate the reality and future of the world from various perspectives.
Ao Ieong U
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government