To promote local cultural and artistic development and deepen public understanding of woodfired ceramics and Macau's history, the Macau Diocesan Performing Arts Association(ADAPEC) and the Cultura e Artes Performativas Cardeal Newman de Macau(CCCN) successfully held the opening ceremony of “Imperfect Perfection: The Art of Woodfired Ceramics Exhibition” and “Tracing the Infinity: Memory of Macao Port in 20th Century” on March 16, 2024, at 3PM. Distinguished guests in attendance included Bishop Stephen Lee of the Catholic Diocese of Macau, Mr. Leong Kam Chuen, Chairman of the Macau Diocesan Performing Arts Association, Mr. Sit Kai Sin, Curator of the Maritime and Water Affairs Bureau, Ms. Lok Ian Lou, Curator of the Macau Museum, Mr. Ao Ieong Hoi Meng, Director of the Subsidy Management Department of the Cultural Industries Fund, Mr. Lee Chong Heng, President of the Macau Arts and Crafts Association, Mr. Gong Gang, Chairman of the Macau Chinese Cultural Development Promotion Association, and Mr. Xu Siyuan, Representative of the Coordination Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macau Special Administrative Region.
Imperfect Perfection showcases over 60 woodfired ceramic works by Macau Arts and Crafts Master Mr. He Jianguo (Heizi), divided into four themes: tea utensils, flower vessels, sculptures, and installations. The works reflect the intricate demands of woodfiring on the environment, clay, and temperature, Heizi talks to the kiln to pass through traditional development of woodfired procedure and redefine the tango of fire and clay. Tracing the Infinity features photographs of large-scale port engineering scenes from 1923, collected by the local Au's family. The photos depict areas such as Ilha Verde, Inner Harbour, Patane/North Bay, Areia Preta, and Taipa, bringing the memories of Macau's port from nearly a century ago back to life. The exhibition aims to enhance public understanding of Macau's historical landscape and stories, strengthening the connection between people and the city. The exhibition also includes maps and related artifacts from different eras of Macau.
Bishop Stephen Lee of the Catholic Diocese of Macau stated, "Since its opening, the CCCN Macau has hosted various forms of exhibitions, including Chinese cultural exhibitions, painting exhibitions, photo exhibitions, calligraphy exhibitions, and art exhibitions. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to the motherland. Through these exhibitions, we celebrate these two significant events while practicing Cardinal Newman's motto, 'Heart Speaks to Heart,' to deepen sincere communication between people."
Macau Arts and Crafts Master Mr. He Jianguo expressed that woodfiring originated in China and is a brilliant art form of Chinese culture. He hopes that ceramic creation and development will become an important part of the local cultural scene. Mr. Carlos Alberto Au, representing the Au's family, who were formerly involved in maritime work, shared his hope that by reflecting on the past and looking to the future, Macau will continue to promote the reasonable development, utilization, management, and protection of its maritime areas in the next century, successfully fulfilling its role as a "livable city" and a "world center of tourism and leisure" in maritime construction.
The exhibitions will run until May 12 (Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM). For more details, please visit the Facebook page or call (853) 2870 3076.
