Happenings
"Dragons of the Four Seas Tribute to Macau" Lantern Art Exhibition
SJM Celebrates Tradition and Innovation with Talented Artists from the Greater Bay Area
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to the Motherland and the Mid-Autumn Festival, SJM Resorts and the Macau Artist Society are joining forces to present the "Dragons of the Four Seas Tribute to Macau" Lantern Art Exhibition. This illuminated celebration will showcase renowned artists from the Greater Bay Area in collaboration with a world-class light painting artist.
Inspired by legends of majestic dragons, these artists have crafted four monumental lanterns that call upon traditional lantern artistry and graffiti design as well as Chinese fine brush painting and innovative light painting techniques. Each lantern reflects China's tradition of respecting nature and embracing diverse cultures while showcasing the nation's unity, creativity and vitality. Fusing ancient skills and heritage with cutting-edge technology and modernity, the exhibit brings China's legacy and promise into glowing life.
In conjunction with this exhibition, SJM will host a series of extended events that promote and preserve the traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage of lantern-making. In addition to supporting the diversification and sustainable development of lantern art, these events will drive the creative and integrated advancement of "tourism + culture" in Macau. Join us as we embrace the festive season with enchanting lanterns illuminated by traditional artistry and innovative creativity.
Details
- Dates: 12 September to 30 November 2024
- Venue: Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau and Hong Kung Temple Square
About the Lanterns
Lumina Dragon – Li Wentao
Li Wentao is an heir of national Intangible Cultural Heritage and an inheritor of lantern master craftsmanship in Foshan. He created Lumina Dragon completely by hand with a skeleton made entirely of steel wires, reminiscent of traditional lanterns. Featuring exquisite materials such as golden cotton gauze and silk cloth, it demonstrates the sublime craftsmanship associated with intangible cultural heritage.
Mirage Dragon – Wang Sibo
Wang Sibo is a leading light painter in China and a world-renowned light painting master. He achieved a breakthrough in traditional lantern-making by utilising modern light painting techniques, portraying the form and vitality of the Chinese dragon through an elaborate three-dimensional light painting installation. Mirage Dragon is the artist's first venture in 3D art.
Eclipse Dragon – Liu Chunhong
Local Macau artist and art educator Liu Chunhong created the 10-metre long Eclipse Dragon with a body that is made of more than a hundred small lanterns. The lanterns feature signature paintings by different artists and are created in collaboration with the citizens of Macau, symbolising the prosperity of Macau.
Prisma Dragon – Uncle Tsang
Uncle Tsang, one of the first iconic figures in Hong Kong's graffiti scene, has masterfully blended traditional Chinese culture with contemporary graffiti art in Prisma Dragon, creating a visually compelling aesthetic that captivates and moves the viewer. The lantern is also adorned with Portuguese ceramic tilework, reflecting Macau's multicultural essence, dynamic energy and creativity.
Lantern Art in the Community
Traditional Lantern Crafting Workshop
In this workshop celebrating the Foshan coloured lantern tradition, artisan Li Wentao shared his inspiration and process for creating Lumina Dragon, one of the monumental lantern exhibits. Workshop participants gathered in the South Lobby to hear behind-the-scenes stories and explore the art of lantern crafting up-close.
Opening Light Painting Performance
The "Dragons of the Four Seas Tribute to Macau" Lantern Art Exhibition opened with an extraordinary, dragon-themed light painting performance in Jardim Secreto by Wang Sibo, the pioneer of light painting in China.
Master Sharing Session
Four of the exhibit's participating artists shared their creative journeys and insights in this panel at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. University art students and art enthusiasts gathered to hear stories of challenges and success from masters of their crafts.
Master Art Workshop for Families
In Hong Kung Temple Square, artist Liu Chunhong led a workshop on acrylic art lanterns where parents and children could explore the cultural heritage of lantern-making and decorate their own lanterns.