Sands China Presenting Innovative Ceramic Exhibition for Art Macao 2021

Project Sands X: Beyond the Blue – An Exhibition of Ceramic Extraordinaire

(Macao, July 8, 2021) – In support of Art Macao, Sands China Ltd. is presenting Project Sands X: Beyond the Blue – An Exhibition of Ceramic Extraordinaire, one of the special exhibitions of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2021.

The exhibition kicks off with an opening ceremony July 15 and runs 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily at The Venetian^® Macao until Oct. 31. It was curated by internationally famed artist Caroline Cheng, and features works from more than 20 world-renowned ceramic artists and institutions, showcasing both traditional and innovative creations.

The exhibition's theme, Beyond the Blue, is layered in meaning. The works feature designs and palettes that are diverse, showcasing how the beauty of ceramics can go beyond the traditional colours of blue and white. Using innovative designs, techniques and technologies, artists hope to bring positivity to the world through works that go beyond all expectations and imagination. The eye-catching exhibition seeks to elicit joy and inspire visitors to go beyond the blue mood of a pandemic world with optimism for a brighter future ahead.

Featured artists include Estonian-American artist Sergei Isupov, who is internationally known for his surreal, highly detailed and narrative works; American artist Richard Notkin, who is well-known for his series of Chinese Yixing-inspired teapots and ceramic artworks; and American artist David Furman, who draws inspiration from everyday life and is known for his hyper-realistic works.

The exhibition also aims to reshape the audience's perception of ceramic art production and enjoyment by presenting the innovative works of a new generation of artists. Among them are Adam Chau, Brooks Oliver and Nicholas Lenker, who have been recognised in the United States as "Emerging Artists" by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA).

The exhibition's works combine technology and ceramics with innovative presentation, and visitors are able to interact with some of the pieces. Exhibits made from recycled ceramics promoting sustainability in art will also be on display with a vision to create a better world. And visitors can use their smartphones to listen to a complimentary audio guide to learn about the artists and their works while viewing the exhibits.

Macao and ceramics share a centuries-long history, with Macao as a key port for porcelain export on the Maritime Silk Road. This powerful tie was why Sands China chose a gold-themed ceramics exhibition for Art Macao 2019, titled All That's Gold Does Glitter – An Exhibition of Glamorous Ceramics.

Following up on that extremely well-received offering, Sands China is unveiling an even greater variety of ceramic masterworks with this revelatory exhibition. These exciting new works created on a new theme will once again surprise viewers and expand their appreciation of this multi-faceted art form.

The Beyond the Blue opening ceremony will also announce details of an additional art event being held by Sands China in support of Art Macao: the July-October Time Is On My Side – 2021 Greater Bay Area Young Artists Scheme – A Competition of Painting & Photography. Artwork recruitment begins July 15 and is open to young artists from Macao and the Greater Bay Area. Winners will receive various awards to encourage them to continue their art and their art pieces will be displayed at The Londoner^® Macao.

Project Sands X: Beyond the Blue – An Exhibition of Ceramic Extraordinaire is a special exhibition of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2021, a three-month long international cultural and artistic extravaganza organised by the Macao government. More information is available at www.artmacao.mo.

Photo caption: Project Sands X: Beyond the Blue – An Exhibition of Ceramic Extraordinaire opens at The Venetian Macao July 15 and runs 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily until Oct. 31. A special exhibition of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2021, it was curated by internationally famed artist Caroline Cheng, and features works from more than 20 world-renowned ceramic artists and institutions, showcasing both traditional and innovative creations.