‘New Pathways for Macao Fine Arts’ forum successfully held
Scholars gathered to explore the future blueprint of fine arts
(Macao, August 30, 2026) – The ‘New Pathways for Macao Fine Arts’ forum, organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macau Artist Society (MAS), co-organised by Sands China Ltd, and supported by the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau, was successfully held at the Ballroom on level 4 of Sands Macao on the morning of 30 August. As a major extended event of the ‘Art in the New Era – The 70th Anniversary Invitational Exhibition of the Macau Artist Society’, this forum featured expert and academic speakers from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. In addition to representatives from the local art scene, the event also attracted over 100 students from the University of Macau, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Polytechnic University, and City University of Macau, as well as artists from mainland China and overseas. In an enthusiastic academic atmosphere, they jointly discussed the development prospects of Macao fine arts amid the transformations in the contemporary era.
Gathering guests in recognition of MAS’s 70-year contribution
Lok Hei, President of the MAS, said in his speech that Macao’s unique position as a hub of Chinese and Western cultural fusion contributes to its artistic inclusiveness. On the celebration of the 70th anniversary of MAS, the forum not only revisited its history but also looked forward into the future. He expressed appreciation to the four academics for exploring new pathways for Macao’s fine arts from each of their four distinct perspectives, which has injected fresh ideas into the local artistic endeavours.
At the opening ceremony, Mok Chi Hang, Acting President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presented a certificate of appreciation to the four speakers, who gave impressive thematic talks after the group photo session.
Inspiring new artistic ideas from four distinct perspectives
The forum was hosted by Cheong Sio Pang, Executive Editor-in-Chief of the local art magazine Fantasia, and featured in-depth analysis by four speakers revolving around the theme ‘New Pathways for Macao Fine Arts’:
Mo Xiaoye (former Professor at the School of Art and Design of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University) delivered a talk titled ‘The Influence of Guangdong Export Paintings on Macao Paintings’. He pointed out that export paintings boldly incorporated Western techniques of light and shadow, three-dimensional representation and composition while taking Chinese folk life and customs as their subject matter. This resulted in a distinctive artistic style that blended Western techniques with Chinese essence. He believes that MAS members have inherited this legacy and accurately captured local customs and traditions in remarkable works that reflect the rich cultural exchange between the East and West.
Ung Vai Meng, Distinguished Professor of the Faculty of Humanities and Arts at the Macau University of Science and Technology, gave a speech titled ‘A Pioneer of Modern Fine Arts in Macao’. Drawing on his personal experience as a witness to Macao’s artistic development, he reviewed how Mio Pang Fei, who joined MAS in 1985, opened up a new pathway for Macao fine arts together with his wife. Through firsthand observations, he introduced this artistic couple’s journey of breaking through conventions and pursuing unique creative expressions, inspiring the young artists who were present.
Chan Hou Seng, member of the Cultural Development Consultative Committee of the Macao SAR Government, probed into the challenges that the age of AI poses to traditional painting practices, as well as the reality of a limited art market. He suggested that artists should delve deeply into local resources and cultivate diverse creative contexts. Furthermore, amid the integration into the Greater Bay Area and the ongoing urban renewal, artists should move beyond the confines of fine arts and extensively engage in public aesthetics and urban art.
Ng Sau Wah (Associate Professor at the Department of Fine Arts of the University of Macau) reviewed the evolution of Hong Kong’s ink art scene from a macro perspective, tracing its development from traditional brush-and-ink practices to explorations in cross-media approaches, urban contexts and conceptual art. Drawing on several recent exhibitions as case studies, she analysed how art associations and curators have promoted a new generation of ink artists, fostered community connection and expanded public discussion, offering Macao artists valuable insights from ‘Hong Kong in Transformation’.
Sparking cross-generational dialogue with students’ enthusiastic participation
Following the keynote speeches, the forum proceeded to a panel discussion and Q&A session. The lively exchanges reflected the Macao art community’s close attention to and strong expectations for its future development.
The organisers noted that, as the year marks the 70th anniversary of the MAS, they hope the exchange of ideas facilitated by the forum will inspire new ideas and open new directions for artistic endeavours in Macao, while also continuing the city’s unique artistic tradition as a meeting point for Chinese and Western cultures.
‘Art in the New Era – The 70th Anniversary Invitational Exhibition of the Macau Artist Society’ is on display at the Ballroom on level 4 of Sands Macao. Running until 15 September, the exhibition features nearly 200 works by artists from Macao, mainland China and abroad. Admission is free, and all are welcome to visit.
