UM students’ works exhibited at Macao International Art Biennale

The Art Exhibition of Higher Education Institutions, part of the Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023, was inaugurated at the Museum of Art of the University of Macau (UM). The exhibition showcases the work of outstanding students from renowned art schools in the mainland and higher education institutions in Macao, including the digital artworks created by three UM postgraduate students. The exhibition is open until 5 November. All are welcome to visit.

The participating higher education institutions in the art exhibition include the Central Academy of Fine Arts, China Academy of Art, Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, UM, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Polytechnic University, and University of Saint Joseph. The selected works are diverse in form and novel in concept, showcasing the creative ideas and artistic techniques of their creators. Among them is Inkvolution, a digital generative ink artwork by Zhao Yanxiu, a master’s student in visual communication at UM, whose works have been selected for many national and international exhibitions. The artwork combines contemporary ink painting on paper with generative art by computer software and a cinematic narrative. By amplifying and strengthening the special texture produced by ink brushwork on rice paper, and through the abstract geometric structure that represents the origins of the world, accompanied by a video script with macro narratives and ethereal and pure contemporary sound effects, Zhao’s work shows the tension of life and energy in the ink cosmos, as well as the vastness, power, and mystery of the vast universe.

Supernatural Space is a digital artwork by Chen Jiajun, a master’s student in visual communication at UM, whose works have been selected for national and international exhibitions and won many awards. The artwork explores human understanding and imagination of high-dimensional space from the perspective of science and art. Chen uses photography and digital media to present a weird space beyond human perception. Ordinary and usually hidden objects in the city are placed as centrepieces in the shot and post-progressing software is used to render surreal images with eerie effects.

Ambiguity is a digital artwork by Xu Siyi, another master’s student in visual communication at UM, who has provided visual designs for posters, logos, and packaging for many well-known organisations. It is a digital media video work that visualises emotions in dreams. Xu uses the generative functions of digital media to create a unique visual language that presents the dream, giving viewers an immersive experience in a dream-like, ethereal atmosphere. The artwork conveys human beings’ profound emotions, in an ode to life.

The Art Exhibition of Higher Education Institutions of the Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023 is organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, with assistance from the Education and Youth Development Bureau and support from UM. Guests attending the opening ceremony of the exhibition included Yin Rutao, deputy director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Yonghua Song, rector of UM; Cheang Kai Meng, vice president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau; Carlos Roberto Xavier, head of the Department of Higher Education of the Education and Youth Development Bureau; and leaders and artists of the participating institutions. The exhibition is held at the Museum of Art of UM from 1 September to 5 November 2023, including public holidays, and is open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Admission is free and all are welcome to visit. For enquiries, please call 88228157 or 88228256.

The student introduces his artwork to the guests

Inkvolution by Zhao Yanxiu

Ambiguity by Xu Siyi

Supernatural Space by Chen Jiajun

A group photo