Sands China Presents 'Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor' for Art Macao 2023
Special exhibition open to public at The Venetian Macao, The Londoner Macao and Le Jardin
(Macao, Aug 2, 2023) – Sands China's colourful pop art exhibition for Art Macao, Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor, opens Thursday, Aug. 3 for public viewing at The Venetian
It is one of the special exhibitions of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023, and is on display Aug. 3-Oct. 15. Sands China held an opening ceremony Aug. 2 at The Venetian Macao, attended by artists Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor, local artists from the collateral exhibition and invitational exhibition for Art Macao, and representatives from the Macao SAR government. The event featured the world debut of limited-edition art merchandise designed by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor, and a live art improvisation performed by the two artists.
In the Meet the Magic exhibition, British contemporary pop artist Philip Colbert and American graffiti artist Jason Naylor each present their unique artistic interpretations of Mickey Mouse, in celebration of Disney's 100th anniversary. Philip Colbert uses his mastery of pop art to revolutionise centuries of legend into his iconic larger-than-life lobster character, while Jason Naylor is known for employing a kaleidoscope of street art colours to transform giant installations.
Co-organised with Forward Fashion Holdings, and curated by ASCE Diverse and Explorative Art Hub and ARTOX GROUP, this grand showcase of large-scale artworks expresses the two artists' boundless creativity, conveys a message of positivity, explores timeless classics from a fresh perspective, and infuses contemporary hues into traditional art forms. Their outdoor installations, each over 5 metres, will be on display at The Parisian Macao's Le Jardin and The Venetian Macao's lagoon area, seamlessly merging innovation with classic style. In addition, their vibrant indoor artworks will transform The Venetian Macao's hotel lobby into a lively pop art paradise this summer. On Level 2 of The Londoner Macao, the brand new ASCE Diverse and Explorative Art Hub will showcase Disney's commemorative products launching in Macao for the first time; the space will also present Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor's new original works, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy the world of art.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd., said: "In a year defined by 'restart' and 'hope,' Sands China is so pleased to introduce to Macao these two international artists, whose vibrantly coloured artworks inspire enthusiasm, hope and exhilaration. We are especially excited to use this opportunity to facilitate artistic exchange, as Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor will share their insights on pop art, interact with local artists, and introduce their works at two Meet the Artists sessions on Aug. 3. Their experience presents an inspiring example to the local arts and culture industry of artists finding expression and success in the business world."
He continued: "By inviting two internationally renowned artists to exhibit their iconic works at our resorts and collaborating with local artists in different formats, we hope to not only attract the attention of the global art community to Art Macao, but also to assist young artists in Macao in stepping onto the international stage. Our gratitude goes to the Macao SAR government for their support and to our collaborators Forward Fashion Holdings, ASCE, ARTOX GROUP, Macau Artist Society, and Macau Youth Art Association, among others, for making this exhibition happen and giving visitors the opportunity to experience a wide variety of distinctive artworks."
Patrick Fan, founder, chairman of the board, and executive director of Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited, said: "We are honoured to curate Meet the Magic, a special exhibition organised by Sands China for Art Macao 2023, and to present Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor's original works at the debut exhibition of ASCE on the second floor of The Londoner Macao. The Group has always been actively supportive of the Macao SAR government's '1+4' strategy for moderate and diversified development, in line with the 'tourism+' strategy, actively exploring high-end art project markets. We hope the launch of the original art brand ASCE can contribute to promoting exchange between Macao and the international art community, while driving the prosperity of local cultural and artistic development in Macao."
Philip Colbert is an influential British contemporary artist who has gained a global following for his cartoon lobster persona and his masterful hyper pop history paintings, earning him the moniker the "godson of Andy Warhol." His work has received international acclaim in museums and galleries worldwide for his energetic new approach to painting and pop art theory.
Philip Colbert's paintings cross high art themes from classical master paintings and contemporary art theory with everyday symbols of contemporary mass society, all narrated through Philip Colbert's alter ego – his cartoon Lobster. He has been championed by art world figures such as Charles Saatchi and Simon De Pury, and has collaborated with luxury brands such as Bentley Motors, Rolex, and Christian Louboutin.
His epic large-scale narrative canvases led to a series of museum exhibitions worldwide, and a captivating installation at the 2022 Venice Biennale featured a magnificent inflatable lobster sailing through the Venetian canals, conveying his concept of "the precarious state of the natural world and the need to recognise its fragility."
Colbert said: "I'm beyond excited to be part of Art Macao 2023 in collaboration with Sands China, ASCE and ARTOX GROUP, and thrilled to transport my brand-new creations with Disney and vivid artwork to Macao. What an epic cultural blend!"
Jason Naylor is an internationally renowned and award-winning artist, designer, and creative director based in New York City. His work consists of bright colours and rich blacks, and regularly contains messages of love and positivity, as he believes that kindness is the key to success. He began his professional career at MAC Cosmetics, where he learned about the art and design business, and developed his taste for spreading life and colour into every project he could get his hands on.
Working with both digital and traditional media, his electric colour palette and his positivity are immediately recognisable in his works, which range from typography and illustration to products and large-scale murals.
Jason Naylor's work has received global recognition, including the Golden Novum Design Award, and his upbeat, colourful creations have found partnerships with brands such as Coach, Pepsi, Guess, and Xbox. His exhibition at Miami Art Week in 2019 included a remarkable collaboration with Brite Lite, where together they electrified his hyper-coloured installation titled "WILL WORK FOR LOVE."
Naylor said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to bring my Open Heart to the vibrant city of Macao. It is truly a happy moment for me to see my works featured in Art Macao 2023, and to attend the grand opening of the exhibition. The culture in this dynamic city with history is incredibly unique and rich with great inspiration. I'm just genuinely grateful to be a part of this artistic celebration, and special thanks to Sands China, ASCE and ARTOX Group for making everything alive."
In addition to the Meet the Magic exhibition, Sands China is further supporting Art Macao 2023 by presenting commissioned works from several local artists. Behind the Forms: Aesthetics of Contemporary Art – Trio Exhibition by Lei Ieng Wai, Leong Chi Mou and Lai Sio Kit will be on display at Sands Gallery, and The Genesis of Rationality, a work by Ung Vai Meng, is on display at Art Macao’s Invitational Exhibition by Local Artists. Regarded as the pioneer of Macao’s art industry, Ung will share his ideas on contemporary art with up-and-coming local art talent in an art sharing session, which is scheduled to be held in September.
Visit https://en.sandsresortsmacao.com/artmacao-2023.html to learn more about all three exhibitions. For more information about Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023, a three-month long international cultural and artistic extravaganza organised by the Macao government, visit https://www.artmacao.mo/2023/en/.
Photo caption: Guests of honour officiate an opening ceremony at The Venetian Macao Wednesday for 'Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor.' It is one of the special exhibitions of Art Macao 2023 and is on display Aug. 3-Oct. 15 at The Venetian Macao, The Londoner Macao and Le Jardin.
Left to right: Lok Hei, president of the Macau Artist Society; Philip Colbert, artist; Cheng Wai Tong, acting director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Leong Wai Man, director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR; Yin Rutao, deputy director-general of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd.; Patrick Fan, founder, chairman of the board, and executive director of Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited; Jason Naylor, artist; Ung Vai Meng, local artist.
Photo caption: Guests gather together at The Venetian Macao Wednesday at the opening ceremony of 'Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor.' In addition to Meet the Magic, Sands China is supporting Art Macao 2023 with two other collateral and invitational exhibitions, both featuring local artists: Behind the Forms: Aesthetics of Contemporary Art – Trio Exhibition by Lei Ieng Wai, Leong Chi Mou and Lai Sio Kit and The Genesis of Rationality, featuring Ung Vai Meng.
Left to right: Au Chon Hin, designer for Behind the Forms; Julia Lam Tsz Kwan, exhibition coordinator for Behind the Forms; Kitman Leong, curator for Behind the Forms; Lok Hei, president of the Macau Artist Society; Philip Colbert, artist for Meet the Magic; Cheng Wai Tong, acting director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Leong Wai Man, director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR; Yin Rutao, deputy director-general of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd.; Patrick Fan, founder, chairman of the board, and executive director of Forward Fashion (International) Holdings Company Limited; Jason Naylor, artist for Meet the Magic; Ung Vai Meng, local artist; Leong Chi Mou, artist for Behind the Forms; Lei Ieng Wai, artist for Behind the Forms; Lai Sio Kit, artist for Behind the Forms.
Photo caption: Artists Philip Colbert (left) and Jason Naylor (right) perform a live art improvisation at the opening ceremony of 'Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor' Wednesday at The Venetian Macao.
Photo caption: Artists Philip Colbert (second from left) and Jason Naylor (second from right) present their art books to Leong Wai Man (first from left), director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR, and Dr. Wilfred Wong (first from right), president of Sands China Ltd., at the opening ceremony of 'Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor' Wednesday at The Venetian Macao.
Photo caption: Internationally renowned artists Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor lead guests of honour on a guided tour of 'Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor' after the exhibition's opening ceremony Wednesday at The Venetian Macao.
