The viewers’ greatest joy in appreciation of art lies in discovery and differentiation. Discovery is important because it enriches art; differentiation is even more important for it is the process whereby various concepts and artistic techniques are noticed, summarised and analysed. It could be said that a work of art is of less significance without the viewers’ participation, thus some works of art require viewers’ participation for completion.
In particular, conceptual art can always arouse different interpretation among audiences; even if the idea is clarified and espoused, the expression of the art work itself kindles broad room for imagination. This kind of interaction between the artist and the observer invigorates the work. As a crucial part of conceptual art, performance art comprises various expressions from action painting, performance photography and installation to those performances making use of theatre and music. From multiple perspectives, it creates imagery incorporating the virtual and the real, hence guiding viewers to a diversity of visual worlds where they can experience the thoughts that artists attempt to convey – or even derive infinite individual apprehension of their own. Viewers’ discovery within the work or differentiation among works may perhaps multiply the significance of the art pieces.
Inward Gazes: Documentaries of Chinese Performance Art is an essential contemporary art event organised by the Macao Museum of Art. Here, the exhibits are not live art work itself; since performance art is a kind of conceptual art, showing documentaries to invite viewers’ participation for discovery and differentiation is even more meaningful. It is the fourth edition of this exhibition in Macao, and what is more pleasing is to see the artist and observers’ passion in participation as well as effort in expanding its intricacy.
Four artists were awarded the “Excellence Award” in Inward Gazes: Documentaries of Chinese Performance Art 2012: Zhou Bin and Dong Jinling from Mainland China, Liao Chiyu from Taiwan and local artist Chan Ka Keong. To promote and spur art creation, MAM will host an event for them titled Inward Gazes – Four Artists in Performance, which will take place concurrently with the documentaries show.
We have also invited Li Xianting, Seiji Shimoda, Lee Wen and Beatrice Hsieh Peini as selection committee members for this year’s event. With their meticulous selection, Inward Gazes again promises a feast of conceptual art for observers. We look forward to your discovery.
Chan Hou Seng
Director of the Macao Museum of Art
