The Macao Museum of Art (MAM), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, is presenting the exhibition “A Bonsai of My Dreams – Works by Wong Cheng Pou” at the “57th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia”, bringing Macao’s artworks onto the international stage. The exhibition was inaugurated in Venice, Italy a few months ago. The Macao-China Pavilion is located opposite to the main arena of La Biennale di Venezia. With a distinctive and fascinating theme, the exhibition has attracted numerous visitors from different art scenes across the world. Over 30,000 visitors have been recorded.
The Macao Museum of Art organised the participation of local artists in the “International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia”, one of the world’s prestigious contemporary art events, for the sixth time. The Chief Curator of La Biennale di Venezia 2017, Christine Macel, dedicated the exhibition to the theme “Viva Arte Viva”, in order to explore the responsibilities and roles of art in this complicated world. The exhibition has attracted various international renowned artists, art collectors, enthusiasts, academics and students.
The exhibition title of the Macao-China Pavilion, “A Bonsai of My Dreams”, is inspired by the widespread bonsai culture in the lives of Chinese ancient literati. The miniature plants in small pots reflect the desire of literati for a spiritual life with simplicity and elegance, as well as a pessimistic way of counteracting inevitable contradictions and conflicts of reality. The exhibition features 17 sculptures and paintings inspired by the deities described in the ancient Chinese classic Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas) as prototypes, with a rich source of information on religion, history, geography and the species, reflecting the world view that prevailed in China two millennia ago. The exhibition was well received by visitors. During the exhibition period, foreign collectors showed interest in the exhibits, proving that Macao artists are recognized and affirmed internationally.
The exhibition “A Bonsai of My Dreams” is open until 12 November. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 6pm (closed on Mondays). The exhibition is located at Arsenale, Campo della Tana. Castello 2126/A, Venice, Italy. Meanwhile, the exhibition “A Bonsai of My Dream — On the Path to the International Art Exhibition - La Biennale Di Venezia” is held on the 3rd floor of MAM. Admission to both exhibition is free. The exhibitions are open to the general public. For more information, please visit MAM’s website (www.MAM.gov.mo).
In addition, the catalogue of the exhibition “The Art of Zhang Daqian: His Paintings and Seals by Acquainted Seal Carvers” is available for sale at the Museum Shop on the 1st floor of MAM and in various bookshops in Macao. The album records images of 100 exhibits presented in the exhibition “The Art of Zhang Daqian”, and is priced at MOP240, with 10% discount for Friends of MAM at MAM. For enquiries, please contact MAM through tel. no. 8791 9814, during office hours.