Shang Yanliu/BAMBOO AND ROCKS/Mounted with glass pane, ink on paper
In order to present traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy and seal engraving in a systematic organization and showcase throughout Macao’s development, the Macao Museum of Art (MAM), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, organizes the exhibition “In Love with Macao – Calligraphy and Paintings of Macao”, featuring a total of 90 pieces/sets of artworks by painters and calligraphers who lived in Macao or had ties with the city in someway from the 1930s to the 21st century. The opening of the exhibition will be held on 4 May, at 6:30pm, in the Exhibition Gallery on the 4th floor of the MAM.
Due to the special historical background of Macao, many Mainland Chinese moved to or temporarily settled in Macao during the 20th century for a number of reasons; among these were numerous artists or collectors who had a distinct influence on modern Chinese painting and calligraphy. It was thanks to their impulse that an important period for the development of Chinese painting and calligraphy in Macao took shape. The MAM has always been dedicated to collecting, organizing, displaying and studying Macao’s artworks, in order to fully present the times and development of local art and allow the public to understand Macao’s role and contribution towards the development of Chinese art. This exhibition is based on the Chinese painting and calligraphy archived at the MAM and the Macao Museum, as well as collections of the artists’ relatives or private collectors. The exhibition showcases 58 Chinese paintings by 65 local artists, immigrants or artists who lived in Macao since a young age, 19 calligraphy works, one mixed media work as well as 12 seals, seal collections and seal engravings used by painters and calligraphers of former generations. It aims to present their creativity and art productions in a detailed and stereoscopic manner.
The artists of this exhibition have established ties with Macao in different ways and they have developed an even closer relationship with Macao and its people during their creation process. Their works reveal the camaraderie established between master and students and between peers, fully displaying the fusion between personal feelings and artistic tastes. Among the artists are the first director of the China Academy of Art, Zheng Jin; one of the founders of the Lingnan school of painting, Gao Jianfu; the third classified in the Qing dynasty’s last imperial exam, Shang Yanliu; the follower of Sun Yat-sen’s revolution, Li Xiangen; the famous landscape painter, Huang Junbi; the renowned painter Zhang Daqian; as well as Macao former residents Guan Shanyue and Qian Juntao. Another highlight are Chui Tak Kei’s bamboos and plants as well as Lok Cheong’s Sai Van and A-Má Temple, life-laden works inspired in Macao, and also the colourful and vibrant works by acclaimed calligrapher Lin Jin. The public can appreciate the beauty of Chinese painting and calligraphy and feel the creative spirit of different eras.
The exhibition runs until 12 August. All residents and tourists are welcome. The Macao Museum of Art, located at Avenida Xian Xing Hai, NAPE, is open daily from 10am to 7pm (no admission after 6:30pm), including public holidays, and is closed on Mondays. Admission is free. For more information, please visit the MAM website at www.MAM.gov.mo or call through tel. no. 8791 9814 during office hours.
