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Macao participation in the International Art Exhibition – Venice Biennale

“A Bonsai of My Dreams - Works by Wong Cheng Pou”

“The 57th International Art Exhibition - La Biennale Di Venezia 2017”, a major international contemporary art event, will open on Saturday, 13 May, in Venice, Italy. The Macao Museum of Art (MAM), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, continues to promote the participation of Macao artists in this event, in order to showcase local works on this prestigious international stage.

In this edition, the Macao Pavilion, themed “A Bonsai of My Dreams - Works by Wong Cheng Pou”, will feature new works by local artist Wong Cheng Pou. The Macao Museum of Art organized a presentation session of the selected works on Tuesday, 7 March, at 4pm, on the ground floor of MAM, presented by the director of MAM, Chan Hou Seng, the artist, Wong Cheng Pou and the curator, Ng Fong Chao, who introduced the preparation of the Macao Pavilion. Some of the artist’s works were also showcased in the presentation session.

This edition of the Macao Pavilion features a total of 17 works, which will be sent to the exhibition venue in Venice in early March, while the set-up work will begin in mid-April. The exhibits consist mainly of three-dimensional works, paintings and photographs. The exhibition title “A Bonsai of My Dreams” indicates the intention of the author to cultivate his personal dreams in bonsai, just as ancient Chinese literati placed planting miniatures in small pots, thus reflecting a desire for a spiritual life full of simplicity and elegance.

The exhibits mainly include figures inspired by the deities described in the ancient Chinese classic Shan Hai Jing(The Classic of Mountains and Seas), which is a rich source of information about the religion, history, geography andspecies of Ancient China, reflecting the world view that prevailed in China two millennia ago. “A Bonsai of My Dreams” presents the author’s observations, feelings, and the imagination of the city where he currently lives.

This is the sixth time that MAM participates in the Venice Biennale since 2007, in which the works of 15 Macao artists have already been exhibited. The Macao Pavilion will run from 13 May to 12 November, from 10am to 6pm (closed on Mondays). The exhibition venue is located at Arsenale, Campo della Tana. Castello 2126/A, Venice, Italy.

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