Art Monthly - Australia

Changing Macao

The rapid development of Macao’s gambling industry has plunged the tiny city into the international spotlight, and everyone has an opinion on how the massive influx of casinos, construction corporations, visitors and migrant workers is affecting the place. The Hong Kong expatriate community are especially peeved that their quaint weekend getaway has changed so decidedly. But with a population of around half a million, it is not difficult to sense positive developments that are also afoot. In June, a second English language newspaper appeared. And several months ago Macau Closer — a magazine that is not only Macao’s first English-language glossy but a site of substantial arts coverage — was launched … Artists stimulated by the changing Macao cityscape include photographers Kong Iu Lam and the University of Macau’s Fulbright artist-in-residence, Adam Lampton. Visit www.macauart.net/nRootE/Index.asp and www.adamlampton.com ... The two-dimensional works in Rita Portugal Lima’s exhibition Noisy undiscovered taste combine computer-generated printed fabric with wood and painterly elements. The artist’s intention is to celebrate the natural, and satirise the artificiality of what often passes for beauty. At Creative Macau, at the Macau Cultural Centre, until 27 July. Check the ‘hot news’ link at www.creativemacau.mo. CA