Local artists adopt monkey theme for CNY

Benjamin Hodges

Four entertainment activities will be offered in the outdoor lagoon area at the Venetian Macao throughout February in celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Known as “Seasons of Prosperity,” the varied events will feature a mix of traditional Chinese festivities and contemporary activities.
A total of 25 local artists will each produce a monkey sculpture in support of a local art project called “Anno Simius.” Collectively, the project is known as “Creative Creatures – Art and the Chinese Zodiac” and celebrates the arrival of the Year of the Monkey.
Thirteen of the sculptures will be displayed in the outdoor lagoon area of the Venetian, while the remainder of the sculptures will be on display at Sands Macao and at other popular tourist attractions in the MSAR.
Between February 2 and 22, visitors will have the chance to experience an entertainment activity involving “peach blossom decorations,” and to peruse a mini model and 3D painting exhibition.
In addition, an event that is being described by organizers as a “3D Light and Sound Spectacular” will run from 6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. between February 5 and 22, at 30 minute intervals.
Benjamin Hodges, who serves as assistant professor in the Department of Communication, University of Macau, is one of the artists returning this year to take part in the “Anno Simius” project. He spoke to the press about his sculpture that will be showcased as part of the exhibition next month.
“I’m an anthropologist and often we look at monkeys as representing human nature – or as our distant relative, our cousin.”
Hodges said he is a little bit nervous about the representation of monkeys in art since people have used it “to almost represent our animal side – like the savage side of human beings.”
“There is a long history – a really negative history – of racial stereotypes […] that are related to people representing people from other parts of the world as more animal than others, or more savage or non-modern,” he noted.
Other artists showcased include Pat Lam, a street artist with an educational background spanning sculpture, calligraphy, modern painting and graphic design.  Also set to feature is the work of Aya Lei, a local comic artist and illustrator who is active in various art scenes in Macau, Hong Kong and on the mainland.  The Times award-winning editorial cartoonist, Rodrigo de Matos, will be involved in the event.