Exhibition shows cultural connections

After captivating audiences in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, and Nanjing, Jiangsu province, the 2024 Hong Kong-Macao Visual Art Biennale has made its stop in Beijing, where it opened a new chapter on June 17 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

With over 30 artists from Hong Kong, Macao and Beijing, the exhibition features around 50 dynamic artworks.

Themed Integration and Dialogue, this year's biennial reflects the deep cultural connections between Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland, while also celebrating their diversity. Through a fusion of traditional and modern artistic expressions, the exhibition highlights the vibrant, evolving landscapes of these cities.

The exhibition at the NCPA features a diverse array of media, from painting and photography to sculpture and multimedia installation. According to Kong Lun, deputy director of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the exhibition serves as a vital platform for dialogue and interaction between these regions.

"Since its launch in 2008, the event has provided a shared space for communication and exchange, enhancing understanding between Hong Kong, Macao and cities across the Chinese mainland," Kong said during the opening ceremony at the NCPA.

"This year's theme of Integration and Dialogue explores how the fusion of tradition and modernity, East and West, influences contemporary art and individual creativity."

Running through to July 13, the Beijing stop will be followed by more Chinese cities, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province.

The Beijing section shows works of nine local artists, offering a unique reflection of the city's cultural landscape.

Among the highlights is Traveling Amid by Chen Zhou, which draws inspiration from traditional Chinese landscape painting. Lin Fanglu's She's Red Gradient, a fabric sculpture, combines the ancient tie-dye technique of the Bai ethnic group with contemporary aesthetics, creating a striking blend of old and new.

The Macao section, showcasing works by 10 local artists, tells the story of a city in transition. Through personal narratives, the artists explore the evolving identity of Macao, shaped by both its rich history and its contemporary challenges.

Curator Lei Heong-hong highlights the diversity of perspectives within this group.

"These artists come from varied backgrounds, some born and raised in Macao, others who have moved there from afar," she says. "Their works reflect a deep emotional connection to the city."

One standout piece is by Ieong Wan-si, a Macao-born artist whose oil paintings capture the gap between memory and reality.

"After living abroad, I returned to Macao and found it changed from the memories I held dear," Ieong says.

"My paintings are a way to express this transformation, capturing the romance of what's been lost and what's been found."

Ng Sang-kei's sculpture, After the Disaster-Prayer, also explores Macao's resilience. Drawing from his fishing heritage, Ng's work depicts a boat that survived a fire, symbolizing the determination of Macao's fishermen to rebuild after disaster.

The Hong Kong section, curated by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, explores the theme of intangible cultural heritage through a contemporary lens. Young Hong Kong artists are breathing new life into traditional crafts, fusing the old and new in a dynamic display of creativity.

Key-Point Productions, a design team from Hong Kong, has created an installation inspired by the city's iconic street stalls.

Using mobile display units that mimic the flexible structures of traditional carts, their piece showcases the diversity of artworks created by other Hong Kong artists in the exhibition.

Rebecca Lo, a fourth-generation painter, offers a stunning series of porcelain plates featuring Hong Kong's landmarks and landscapes. Each plate vividly captures the city's unique beauty, from its natural scenery to its bustling harbors.

The Hong Kong Cheongsam Association presents a series of cheongsam designs, celebrating the evolution of this iconic garment. By combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, including 3D printing and laser engraving, the designs represent a fusion of heritage and innovation.

Amy Yuen, acting director of the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China in Beijing, emphasizes the significance of this exhibition in strengthening cultural ties.

"This event not only celebrates the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland but also lays a solid foundation for future collaboration and exchange between the art communities of Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland," she says.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn