Could Picasso Help Macau Gain More Art-World Credibility?

In a bid to further establish Macau as a World Heritage city rich in arts and culture, One Central Macau is hosting a historic exhibition featuring the gemmaux works of the legendary artist Pablo Picasso. The exhibition, titled “Pablo Picasso: Paintings in Glass,” is part of the “Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023” event organized by the Macao SAR Government and sponsored by Hongkong Land.

For the first time in Macau, art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to witness Picasso’s gemmaux artworks, a collection curated and signed by Picasso himself between 1954 and 1957. The six pieces on display are part of a larger collection of fifty works, showcasing Picasso’s mastery in the innovative gemmail technique, which translates to ‘enamel gem’ in French. This technique, reminiscent of stained glass aesthetics seen in churches, involves the layering of several panes of carefully assembled glass, giving the artworks a third dimensionality. The pieces are displayed in backlit light boxes, a technology that not only enhances the colors but also preserves them as Picasso intended.

The exhibition, which runs from September 7 to October 31, 2023, at the Atrium of One Central Macau, offers free admission to the public. It features iconic works such as ‘Femme assise,’ an early portrait of Dora Maar, Picasso’s fellow artist and lover, and the ‘Portrait of Marie-Therese Walter,’ depicting the French model who was the mother of Picasso’s first daughter. The collection also includes a self-portrait of Picasso, executed in an emotionally expressive style, offering an intimate retrospective into the life and influences of the renowned artist.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death, making the exhibition a timely tribute to the artist’s legacy. The artworks, borrowed from private collections, are displayed alongside enlarged reproductions at the back, allowing for a comprehensive viewing experience from various locations in the atrium.

Jennifer Lam, the Director and Head of Marketing and communications at Hongkong Land, emphasized the company’s dedication to honoring cultural heritage and fostering community engagement through art. “We envision ONE CENTRAL MACAU to serve as a canvas that connects art with the community,” Lam said, highlighting the educational and inspirational potential of the exhibition.

Echoing Lam’s sentiments, Sherry Wong, the Chairperson of the Hongkong Land Art Committee, expressed enthusiasm for the government-organized Art Macao event, which she described as the most significant cultural and artistic event in Macau. Wong noted that the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to appreciate the creativity and personality of one of the greatest artists of our time.