Forum examines new directions for Macau’s fine arts sector

Scholars, artists and students gathered in Macau recently to discuss the future of the city’s fine arts sector, with speakers examining the impact of cultural exchange, artificial intelligence, urban development and changing art markets.

The “New Pathways for Macao Fine Arts” forum, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macau Artist Society, was held at Sands Macao as part of the 70th-anniversary program of the Macau Artist Society. More than 100 students from local universities joined artists and academics from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

The forum explored how Macau’s position as a meeting point between Chinese and Western cultures could shape its artistic development. Lok Hei, president of the Macau Artist Society, said the organization’s 70-year history provided a foundation for looking ahead and identifying new opportunities for local artists.

Four speakers offered different perspectives on the sector’s development. Mo Xiaoye, a former professor at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, examined the influence of Guangdong export paintings on Macau art, highlighting their combination of Western techniques and Chinese themes.

Ung Vai Meng, a distinguished professor at Macau University of Science and Technology, discussed the development of modern fine arts in Macau through the work of artist Mio Pang Fei and his wife, focusing on their efforts to challenge established conventions.

Artist and cultural adviser Chan Hou Seng addressed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and Macau’s relatively small art market. He encouraged artists to draw on local resources and engage more actively with public art and urban development, particularly as Macau becomes more integrated with the Greater Bay Area.

Ng Sau Wah, an associate professor at the University of Macau, examined Hong Kong’s evolving ink-art scene, including cross-media practices and community-based projects, offering lessons for Macau artists.

The forum concluded with a panel discussion and Q&A session.

The accompanying 70th-anniversary exhibition, featuring nearly 200 works by artists from Macau, mainland China and overseas, runs through Sept. 15 at Sands Macao. Admission is free.