Celebrating 25 Years: Sands China presents artistic journey through time

As Macau marks the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland, a vibrant exhibition at Sands Gallery serves as a heartfelt tribute to the region’s artistic evolution.

Through a diverse array of artworks, visitors can glimpse the rich tapestry of life in Macau across different eras. This showcase is not just a celebration of art, but a reflection on how far the region has come since 1999.

Sands China Ltd. recently launched its latest art exhibition, Echoes of a Golden Age: Macro Events through the Micro Visions of Macao’s Legendary Contemporary Artists. As part of the company’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland, the exhibition showcases a remarkable collection of works spanning a quarter century from nine local contemporary art masters.

The exhibition highlights the high standards achieved by local artists, with pieces from renowned figures Lai Ieng, Lok Hei, Ng Wai Kin, Ung Vai Meng, Lio Man Cheong, Lei Tak Seng, Chan Hin Io, Ao Kuan Kin, and Lam Chi Ian—each bringing extensive expertise in their respective disciplines. The artists have not only established themselves in the local art scene with their resounding achievements, but have designed stamps for the city. They reflect historical changes in the macro environment through their micro visions, with unique designs that record the changing of the times within the tiny canvas of a stamp frame.

The exhibition presents pieces from various art forms—ranging from watercolor and drawing to photography and stamps.
Together, they bring to life themes of Macau’s development and its cultural characteristics and public sentiments before and after its reunification, in celebration of Macau’s prosperity and patriotism since reunification and the uniting power of the Macau people to move forward.
“This will bring back a lot of memories of how far we have come. And actually, we›ve come very far,” said Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.

Sands China is committed to nurturing the local art scene, providing a permanent platform for both local and international artists. This initiative aligns with Macau’s designation as a Culture City of East Asia 2025, further emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration.

“We will not only promote visual arts. We are also committed to promoting performing arts and other art forms. And so you will see Sands China playing a very active role in promoting the culture of Macau because we are now designated as a Culture City of East Asia 2025,” said Dr. Wong.

“We hope to raise the level of appreciation among Macau’s residents through these exhibitions,” he added, underscoring the long-term vision for the arts in the region.

The exhibition not only aims to showcase talent, but also to encourage dialogue about the future of art in Macau.

One of the artists featured in the exhibition is Ung Vai Meng.

The local artist reflects on a lifelong passion for art that has evolved alongside the city itself. Born and raised in Macau, he has a unique perspective on the rich tapestry of his environment, which is characterized by a blend of heritage buildings—temples, churches, and colonial structures that coexist in harmony.

From a young age, Ung was drawn to the city’s architectural beauty.

“Growing up, I was fascinated by the mixed styles,” he recalls.

At just 14, he began studying under a master of watercolor painting and sketching, capturing the vibrant life around him.

“I would use my pencil to sketch what I saw in the streets, developing my eye for detail and composition.”

As Macau underwent significant transformation, so too did Ung’s artistic style.

For the current exhibition, Ung presents eight sketches and a series of watercolor pieces, including designs for stamps that celebrate Macau’s cultural icons, such as the Grand Prix and the Chinese Orchestra. “These works are not just for fun; they represent my growth and connection to my city,” he says.

Meanwhile, for the exhibition’s curator Lam Chi Ian, his artistic vision is to bridge the past and present.

Lam’s exhibit features four captivating paintings, each created spontaneously during his outdoor excursions.

“I didn’t plan to exhibit them; I just painted what I loved,” he explains. Upon selecting these pieces for the exhibition, he noticed a common thread: each painting beautifully captures the horizon of Macau, connecting them in unexpected ways. “I realized they all share a horizon, despite their different color themes and vistas,” he adds.

Reflecting on his creative process, Lam reveals that these works were crafted recently, in 2023, during a lecture where he demonstrated watercolor techniques. “While I have some reference photos, I primarily rely on my memory to recreate the beauty of the scenes,” he notes. This method allows him to capture the essence of the moment, making each piece a personal memory.

Meanwhile, Chan Hin Io focuses on significant developments like large-scale construction projects and the emergence of cultural facilities, including the iconic Iec Long Firecracker Factory.

For this exhibition, Chan has displayed nine pieces that reflect not just architectural growth, but also the spirit of Macau.

His art serves as a visual narrative, illustrating how the city has evolved into a vibrant hub of culture and creativity.

For artist Ng Wai Kin, he delves into the memories and experiences that define life in Macau.

Ng’s work prominently features scenes of traditional lion dances and street vendors, iconic elements that have shaped the local landscape. “These are integral parts of Macau’s identity,” he explains, highlighting how they bring the community together during festivals and everyday life.

With an impressive portfolio, Ng has designed a staggering 54 sets of stamps since he began his career in 1983, totaling over 258 unique stamps. “I can proudly say I’ve designed the most stamps in Macau,” he shares, noting that two original works are displayed alongside his stamp designs in the exhibition.

“I wanted to highlight the beauty of my city for this event,” he states. Among his pieces are depictions of beloved local spots, including a once-popular beef congee stall that has since closed. “I hope viewers will reminisce about the past and the places that shaped their memories,” he adds.

An environment conducive to artistic growth

As the art scene in Macau continues to evolve, Lam observes a noticeable shift. “Since the handover, there has been a surge in activity—business, casinos, and urban development,” he notes.

While he appreciates the growth and vibrancy, he also cherishes the quieter, simpler days of his youth.

“Macau used to feel like a unique village, and now it has transformed into a bustling city,” he reflects.

Meanwhile, as Chan observes the growing talent in Macau, the artist commented, “The environment here is conducive to artistic growth, and naturally, we’re seeing more artists emerge.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Ung observes a promising trend among young artists in Macau. “More are studying abroad and returning with fresh perspectives, enriching our artistic community,” he explains.

For aspiring artists, Ung offers a piece of advice: “Stay observant. The world around you is full of inspiration waiting to be transformed into art. Learning skills is vital, but so is broadening your perspective.”

A vital platform for high-level artistic exchange

Through this exhibition, Sands China aims to establish Sands Gallery as a vital platform for high-level artistic exchange, providing both local and international artists with opportunities to share ideas and draw inspiration.

By gathering feedback from both residents and tourists, Sands Gallery plans to adapt its offerings, potentially leading to more joint exhibitions that celebrate various art forms.

“I think there will be a lot of opportunities for us to showcase the art of Macau through this Culture City name card,” said Dr. Wong.

“With the top artists from Macau, this exhibition, hopefully, would arouse people who’ve got an interest in the history of Macau, the culture of Macau. And hopefully, this will be the beginning of yet another journey,” he concluded.

The free-admission Echoes of a Golden Age: Macro Events through the Micro Visions of Macao’s Legendary Contemporary Artists is open for public viewing 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily until Jan. 5 at Sands Gallery on the 6th floor of the Grand Suites at Four Seasons.

During the exhibition period, Sands China will host a sketching masterclass led by exhibition artists at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and the Taipa Houses.

Since its launch in 2022, Sands Gallery has been dedicated to introducing a greater diversity of art exhibitions to Macau and promoting the sustainable development of the local arts and culture industry.

This permanent art space was born out of Sands China’s increased investment in arts and cultural development and its commitment to supporting the SAR government’s strategy for non-gaming development. Sands Gallery regularly invites both local and internationally renowned artists to host a variety of art exhibitions in Macau to enrich the art experiences of local residents and tourists. To date, the gallery has hosted 10 art exhibitions that feature Chinese and international artists. ♦♦