Creative Macau celebrates 21 years with collective exhibition

The Midnight Reader, IoKin Ng

Creative Macau marked its 21st anniversary with the launch of the “21st Century Members Collective Exhibition” yesterday. This exhibition highlights the artistic contributions of various members and celebrates two decades of nurturing creativity and collaboration in Macau.

The exhibition, open until Sep. 28, features a wide array of works from artists such as Ada Mok Keng Kio, IoKin Ng, and Alice Leonor das Neves Costa. The opening ceremony attracted a distinguished audience, including Paulo de Castro, the center’s president, and coordinator Margarida Cheung.

This year’s theme, “Creative Network in the 21st Century,” underscores the transformative role of the internet in the art world. Over the past 21 years, Creative Macau has been a platform for artists to connect, share their work, and engage with a wider audience.

The internet has reshaped how artists communicate and collaborate, enabling them to blend diverse cultural influences into their creations and reach global audiences.

“Art has evolved through various movements, from the Renaissance to contemporary styles, often reflecting the societal changes of their times,” Cheung said during her opening remarks. “Today, the internet acts as a new medium, connecting artists and audiences like never before.”

The exhibition not only showcases the talents of its members but also highlights the significance of community in the creative process. Each displayed piece represents the unique perspectives and experiences of the artists, creating a rich tapestry of creativity that resonates both locally and globally.

In an interview with The Times, exhibiting artist IoKin Ng shared her creative process and inspiration. She often finds solace in the quiet of the night, working on her watercolor pieces well past midnight. Overwhelmed by the brightness and activity of daytime, she aims to create calming works that evoke tranquility. Ng utilizes social media to connect with others who share her late-night creative energy, hoping her art fosters comfort and understanding of the inner child, symbolized by a boy in her pieces—representing a universal childhood experience.

The Times explored upcoming exhibitions and current trends in the art world in a conversation with Margarida Cheung at the event.

Cheung hinted at the possibility of another collective exhibition from the Polytechnic before the year’s end, pending confirmation. She also mentioned the Short Film Festival scheduled for late this year and plans for one to two additional collective exhibitions. Negotiations for more exhibitions are already underway for the next year, ensuring a vibrant schedule through mid-2025.

Cheung discussed contemporary art trends, particularly the intersection of technology and artistic expression. She highlighted a female artist whose work reflects feelings of stagnation and isolation experienced during the pandemic. The exhibition features a diverse range of artistic styles, including painting and installations.

Addressing the membership structure of the art collective, Cheung noted a steady influx of new artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their work without the financial burdens often associated with renting exhibition spaces.

Reflecting on her journey as a former jewelry artist, Cheung expressed her admiration for the arts and the courage it takes to pursue an artistic career. She emphasized the financial challenges artists face and the importance of offering both support and encouragement, which the center strives to provide.

In addition to the exhibition, Creative Macau plans to host various workshops and events throughout the month to encourage public participation and interaction with artists. These initiatives aim to deepen the understanding of the creative process and the role of art in society.

The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Creative Macau. Nadia Shaw