The Macao Arts Festival (MAF), organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau in May, cooperating with FuHong Society of Macau, invited artist Leong Ieng Wai to create souvenirs that combine Macao’s characteristic landscapes and travel features, showcasing the talent and potential of disabled persons and revealing an art without borders.
The MAF will launch two souvenirs, a luggage belt and a multi-purpose travel bag designed by Leong Ieng Wai, a disabled and autistic member of FuHong Society of Macau. The luggage belt is themed around some of the Festival’s venues, such as the Dom Pedro V Theatre, the Macao Cultural Centre, St. Dominic’s Church and the Tap Seac Gallery, among others, while the multi-purpose travel bag is inspired on the landscapes of Macao’s old neighbourhoods. Leong Ieng Wai recreated figuratively with masterful brushstrokes buildings surrounding Macao’s old streets, thereby presenting them in a vivid and three-dimensional way. Both souvenirs include the logos of the MAF and FuHong Society of Macau. Through the promotion of these travel items, the organizer hopes, on the one hand, to take the Festival and the works of local artists abroad, promoting and showcasing the territory’s cultural characteristics beyond borders, and, on the other hand, show the potential and talent of the disabled through this cooperation with FuHong Society of Macau
Leong Ieng Wai is also known as 0.38, which refers to the thickness of the pen he likes to use in his meticulous strokes and clear compositions. Leong Ieng Wai has a strong descriptive ability and sense of spatial planning, skilfully outlining patterns and being particularly fond of drawing small people, buildings and transports. Leong Ieng Wai dedicates himself to each of his works, using art to find himself and to become more energetic and confident, making an effort to communicate with others and mustering the courage to express what lies in his soul. In August last year, Leong Ieng Wai held an exhibition at the passenger terminal of Macao’s International Airport entitled “Enter the Happy Kingdom of 0.38”. The exhibition was very well received, giving rise to yet another exhibition showcasing more than 40 of his works at the UNESCO Centre of Macau in November.
The souvenirs described above are available for sale at MAF venues, namely at the Macao Cultural Centre, Dom Pedro V Theatre and the Old Court Building. Discounts will be offered on the purchase of both items. For more information, please access the MAF website at www.icm.gov.mo/fam, or contact IC through tel. no. 8399 6699 during office hours.