Contemporary art exhibition marks 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China
By Li Qiong
01:55

It's been 20 years since China resumed sovereignty over Macao. With its unique geography and past, Macao has developed a culture like no other. An ongoing exhibition at the National Art Museum of China is showcasing multifaceted stories of the territory's artists and people.

More than 70 art pieces including installations, sculptures, paintings, as well as new media artwork, reveal a dynamic cultural scene. 

"Stardust" by Meng Shu. /CGTN Photo

"Stardust" by Meng Shu. /CGTN Photo

Ren Zhe, associate researcher of the Exhibition Department of the National Art Museum of China, said, "65 contemporary artists from Macao, young and old, are taking part in this exhibition. It offers a good opportunity for artists from Macao and the Chinese mainland to exchange ideas on art and culture."  

As a Portuguese colony for more than a century, Macao has experienced a long period of cultural synergy between the East and the West. 

"In the Mountain" by Tan Junjie. /CGTN Photo

"In the Mountain" by Tan Junjie. /CGTN Photo

While some artists choose to foreground the region's landmark cultural heritage, others are giving the wisdom of their ancestors a modern makeover. 

Ren cited two pieces created by young artist Tan Junjie from Macao who is studying art at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. 

"Moon – Pursuit of Light" by Zhang Xizhi. /CGTN Photo

"Moon – Pursuit of Light" by Zhang Xizhi. /CGTN Photo

"From his works we could see the influences of contemporary style presented in the traditional form of ink and wash landscape painting," the researcher said.

The exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of the return of Macao to China runs through to the end of the month.