Memories from joining a youth marching band in Macau are being translated to oil paintings and mixed media displayed in the exhibition by local artist Kubi (小鳳) titled “Voices of Youth” at the 10 Fantasia gallery.
Kubi, who is now pursuing a master’s degree in calligraphy and fine art at Huaqiao University, reminisces on her youth by painting moments into various frames.
From posing for a mirror photo with schoolmates clad in their marching band uniforms, playful depictions of bandmates and equipment, and performances, Kubi highlights it all through works that have both a more realistic style along with those that lean towards the imaginative.
The free-admission exhibition also creatively interprets other fragments from the artist’s marching band life. These include the more abstract piece “Night Melody”, the mixed media work “Interstellar Parade”, which employs materials like ring pulls from canned drinks in a work that is almost 3D in nature, and “Fish at the Pier”.
The exhibition kicked off just last week and while the works present the artist’s own memories at specific points in her life, a statement from the gallery noted that some visitors might also be able to find glimpses of moments in their younger days through exploring the artworks, which number at around 20.
“By preserving fading memories through a warm visual language, the exhibition invites viewers to pause and resonate, rediscovering subtle tenderness hidden in daily life and their own touching moments of youth”, the statement said.
Highlighting the artist, the statement noted that Kubi has dedicated over 10 years to oil painting, pointing out a constant and deep passion. She uses the discipline to capture “fleeting moments of daily life and expresses life’s joys and sorrows on canvas”.
The statement added that her works carry personal memories, but also aims to offer a place of inner peace and healing, hoping that those exploring her works can also escape from the fast paced and busy nature of life, explore everyday moments and discover the beauty around them.
Members of the public can view the works until August 31, with one able to visit from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. The gallery is located near Calçada da Igreja de S. Lázaro (瘋堂斜巷).
Photos taken on Thursday by Rui Pastorin
