Foreword
Since Macao's return to Chinese sovereignty 25 years ago, the city's landscape has undergone significant changes. Macao, a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, has increasingly strengthened its position on the East Asian cultural map, drawing international attention from artists around the globe.
In terms of recent art history, the modern art scene in Macao began in the early 1980s and it has been evolving and improving over the past 40 years. Today, the diverse artistic landscape in the city is more vibrant than ever. Over the past few decades, a new generation of artistic talents with vigorous creativity has emerged, examining the city's rich history and character from their fresh perspectives. Their works, transcending the boundaries of traditional painting, explore diverse concepts and mixed media styles, ultimately showcasing Macao's unique culture to the world through art and creativity.
Since its opening in 1999, the Macao Museum of Art has continuously expanded its collection of modern and contemporary artworks, building upon the legacy of the former Luís de Camões Museum of Macao. The current exhibition, New Perspectives: Modern and Contemporary Works from the Macao Museum of Art, features a selection of works by local artists and talents from Portugal, as well as Russian and Australian artists who resided in the city.
The exhibition is divided into three sections: 'Scenery and Images', 'Ink Expressions and Concepts', and 'Objects, Colours, and New Perspectives'. It showcases 100 pieces encompassing various creative styles and techniques, including watercolours, oil paintings, ink art, printmaking, photography, installation, and mixed media. The works on display demonstrate the achievements and diversity of the museum's collection since its establishment, exemplifying Macao's unique identity as a crossroads between Eastern and Western cultures, as well as the city's rich cultural values and diverse forms of artistic expression.
This exhibition explores the unique perspectives and innovative artistic languages of three generations of Macao artists, showcasing the city's vibrant and dynamic artistic ecology. Their works represent not only a recreation of the city's memory and reflections on its past, but also visions and imaginations for its future. The exhibition aims to provide visitors with an array of new visual experiences and encourage deeper contemplation on Macao's cultural memories.
Curator
Noah, Ng Fong Chao