Messages
In April 2024, the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia opened in Venice, Italy. Above Zobeide participated in the Biennale with young Macao artist Wong Weng Cheong’s large-scale immersive installation art and prints, curated by Macao’s emerging curator Chang Chan. This exhibition presenting Macao, China, invited audiences worldwide to view and appreciate the work, further fulfilling the artistic goal of ‘showing Macao to the world’ and bringing greater attention and recognition to local culture and contemporary art.
Above Zobeide is organised by the Macao Museum of Art (MAM), under the Macao SAR Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau. It was selected from outstanding local exhibition proposals through an open call. This exhibition draws inspiration from Italian writer Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities, focusing on themes of fictional cities and deformed herbivores to explore the subtle relationship between civilisation and nature, prompting profound reflections on the future of humanity. Curator Chang Chan and artist Wong Weng Cheong created a static installation with digital prints and cameras directed at the audience, crafting a space rich in imagery and concepts. This results in a remarkable new visual language that resonates with the Biennale’s theme, ‘Foreigners Everywhere’, while also showcasing a broad perspective and concern for global issues.
These two young Macao artists break free from local narratives, indirectly highlighting Macao’s unique essence – its Macao’s centuries-old harmonious coexistence of ethnic groups and its inclusive cultural landscape. Their boldness in absorbing diverse civilisational influences and pursuing innovative breakthroughs reflects the vitality of Macao’s artistic development. To this end, the MAM has decided to bring Above Zobeide back to Macao, allowing residents and visitors to experience the breadth and depth of this ‘Exhibition from Macao, China, Collateral Event of the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.’ This allows visitors to appreciate the contemporary creations of Macao’s outstanding young artists and contribute to the future of Macao’s artistic development.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government will continue to support local artists in their creative endeavours. By leveraging opportunities to ‘build an important window for exchanges between Chinese and foreign civilisations,’ it aims to introduce and showcase more outstanding works of art from both the Chinese mainland and overseas, further broadening the horizons of local art creators. Additionally, establishing international exchange platforms and promoting local works globally aims to enhance the global recognition and reputation of Macao’s art scene. This will allow the artistic light of ‘Cultural Macao’ to shine even more brilliantly and vibrantly!
I wish the exhibition great success!
Deland, Leong Wai Man
President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government