Review by Armindo Neves
The Cardinal Newman Centre for Culture and Arts Performance of Macau (CCCN) is hosting an exhibition whose Chinese name “我唔出聲，其實我諗緊好多嘢……” translates as “I may be silent, but my mind is full of thoughts......”, aiming to showcases young people’s inner voices.
The exhibition had been organised by the Macao Diocese Performance Arts and Culture Association.
Chan Sio Fong, curator of the exhibition, writes in a message on the venue’s information board that that while language is a primary tool for communication, accurately conveying thoughts and feelings remains challenging.
In today’s efficiency-driven society, people rush to speak but rarely pause to listen, and well-intentioned words often morph into accusations, fracturing relationships.
In her message, Chan reveals that she collected the voices of local youngsters who in handwritten messages – in Chinese and English - on notepad sheets unveiled the unspoken emotions behind their silence - helplessness, grievances, joy, and gratitude. Through texts and visual designs, Chan says in the message that the exhibition aims to create an egalitarian space for dialogue, drawing attention to the invisible harm words can inflict.
The exhibition, according to her message, aims to assure teenagers that “you’re not alone,” as it guides them to reflect on communication barriers while inviting adults to reconsider how to foster safer spaces for expression. With no prescribed answers, Chan says, each visitor may gain unique insights. Her message also expresses hope that this showcase, in our efficiency-obsessed society, can become a starting point for pausing, listening, and rebuilding connections – making authentic dialogue possible.
The most heartbreaking exhibits are two handwritten cards – one by a 10-year-old reading “Mom always scolds me, I don’t want to live anymore”, and another by a 13-year-old asking “Why am I blamed for things that aren’t my fault?”
These cries of despair lay bare the communication crisis between generations, forcing exhibitiongoers to confront the problem of how habitual criticism can fracture young spirits.
The exhibition, which commenced on July 31, continues until August 31. It is open from Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The centre is located at 55 Calçada da Vitória (得勝斜路55號地下).
These photos taken on Wednesday show some of the “我唔出聲，其實我諗緊好多嘢……” exhibits at Cardinal Newman Centre for Culture and Arts Performance of Macau (CCCN Macau). – Photos: Armindo Neves
