To showcase a rich array of its collection, the Macao Museum of Art, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (MAM), is now holding the exhibition “Ceramic and Seals of 108 Heroes of Shui Hu Legend from the MAM Collection”, featuring ceramic figurines of the 108 Heroes of Shui Hu Legend and 194 seals, for the first time. The exhibition is open until 19 November.
In 2000, these artworks, related with the theme of the “Shui Hu Legend” (Water Margin), were donated by Lei Loi Tak, Chairman of the Soka Gakkai International of Macau, in the name of the Association, to the former Provisional Municipal Council of Macao. Donated artworks include paintings, calligraphies, seals and ceramic figurines which were later added to the collection of MAM. This exhibition presents ceramics works by Liu Ousheng, a master of ceramic figurines who incorporated the freehand brushwork skills from Chinese painting into the creation of ceramic figurines from the beginning of the 1980s. With his distinctive style of art, he brought vitality into the traditional art of Shiwan ceramic figurines. Artists of the seal carving artworks include Lin Jin and his apprentices, Huang Kuanghua, Cho Sai Keung and Ho Pan. These artworks not only reflect the unique artistic characteristics of each artist but also show traces of cultural inheritance, which is an important part of the development of seal carving in Macao.
In conjunction with this exhibition, MAM organised a sharing session on Thursday, 8 June, at 6:30pm, at the Arch Room located on the 3rd and 4th floors of MAM. Guests including the Director of the Macao Museum of Art, Chan Kai Chon; the Executive Vice Director and Member of Board of Directors of the Soka Gakkai International of Macau, Chan Chi-kai and Lei Chon Ming; the President of the Macau Association of Calligraphy and Sculpture of Seals, Sio Chun Iun; and the artists Huang Kuanghua, Cho Sai Keung and Ho Pan were present at the sharing session. In the sharing session, the artists gave a seal carving demonstration to the public. Some participants also obtained their works. Special tours of the MAM will be available during the exhibition period. In addition, performances by the Macao Chinese Orchestra will be held on 11 June and 2 July, from 4pm to 4:45pm. Admission to the aforementioned activities is free and all are welcome.
The Macao Museum of Art places great importance on expanding its collection. Its collection series - “Shiwan Ceramics” and “Seal Carvings by Guangdong Masters” - include works by renowned artists of the late Qing dynasty and early Republican era such as Huang Bing, Pan Yu Shu and Chen Wei Yan, among others, who were influential in the development of Shiwan Ceramics; as well as the seal carvings by celebrated artists Luo Shuzhong, Wu Zi Fu and Feng Kanghou, among others. With the support of generous individuals, MAM will continue to showcase and publish its collection orderly with respect to various themes, offering a cultural feast to visitors from around the world.
The Macao Museum of Art is located at Avenida Xian Xing Hai, and is open daily from 10am to 7pm including public holidays (no admission after 6:30pm; closed on Mondays). Admission is free. For enquiries, please contact MAM through tel. no. 8791 9814 during office hours. For more information about the exhibition, please visit www.MAM.gov.mo.