Postscript

In the world of contemporary visual arts, Mr. Shigeo Fukuda is an undeniably influential figure. He excels at using simple, direct figures to assemble on a single page a whole range of different spaces and contradictory forms. Like a magician, Shigeo Fukuda makes the impossible come true in his works, which often startle viewers at first, and then, upon longer contemplation, reveal the depth of their meaning. In recent years, Mr. Fukuda has begun to create more three-dimensional works, using installations, lighting, and 3-D models, to further build upon the trompe l’oeil theories his earlier work explores.

Last year, Mr. Fukuda was invited to Macao to be a judge at the “Chinese Treasures – Monuments and Sites in China Bidding for UNESCO World Heritage Listing”exhibit. At the “Contemplation and Discovery” conference on contemporary visual arts sponsored by the Cultural Institute of the Macao SAR Government, he presented a lively and engaging lecture in which he shared reflections on his own creative process with local artists and designers. The atmosphere of the arts in Macao left a lasting impression on Mr. Fukuda, and we are proud to have him back again with the current exhibition.

In order to give local artists a glimpse into Mr. Fukuda’s creative process, and into the recent development of his poster works, the Cultural Institute of the Macao SAR Government will present, in our new exhibition space at the Tap Seac Gallery, an exhibit called “Shigeo Fukuda in Macao – Poster Exhibition.” This exhibition showcases a selection more than 70 posters, including some of Mr. Shigeo’s most representative works as well as his more recently completed posters. In addition, Mr. Shigeo has created a new poster especially for this exhibition, entitled “‘Fu’ Comes to Macao” – in which the character “fu” means “joy” and is also the first character of the artist’s surname, Fukuda.

We are very pleased that Mr. Fukuda has agreed to give a talk on his work during the exhibition. In addition, we have specially invited local designers to create posters on the theme of “Greetings to Shigeo Fukuda.” These posters will be on display alongside those of Mr. Fukuda, as an inspiration to young designers and a form of cross-cultural dialogue between artists.

Cultural Institute of the Macao S.A.R. Goverment
Visual Arts Coordinator, Chan Ieng Hin
December 2003