MEDIA RELEASES
[March 16, 2017, Macau] MGM today proudly announces the establishment of a major permanent art collection for Macau. Commissioned by MGM, the collection will be hosted at MGM COTAI and will be unveiled at the resort’s opening in 2018.
Connecting East and West and blending tradition with innovation, the MGM COTAI Art Collection will feature over 300 captivating and thought-provoking works that will seamlessly integrate with MGM COTAI’s public spaces, including antique carpets dating from the Qing Dynasty, modern and contemporary Asian paintings and sculptures by renowned artists, freshly-commissioned works by local and regional rising talents, and large-scale installations. Contributing artists include Hsiao Chin, Liu Dan, Liu Kuosung, Macau’s own Ung Si Meng, Xue Song and many more.
The collection is one of MGM’s continuous endeavors in bringing world cultures together through artworks that are all spectacular in their own right, and coalescing that into the diversified entertainment and offerings made available to people from all walks of life. The collection will take visitors on a journey of discovery as soon as they step in to MGM COTAI – MGM’s forthcoming resort set to be an architectural icon representing local culture and cutting-edge design. From paintings to installations, wall art to ancient carpets, visitors will travel through time as they walk through the property, captivated by sensory experiences as they explore the stories behind each work of art. The medium, the inspiration, and the precise location of each art piece is being carefully planned and meticulously put together.
“It is a privilege to showcase outstanding works by celebrated Asian artists, including some extraordinary pieces that we have commissioned for our forthcoming permanent art collection at MGM COTAI, where some of which are by local Macanese artists,” said Ms. Pansy Ho, Co-Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited. “With this collection, we are creating something truly unique for Macau to develop the city’s cultural tourism, and we have carefully considered every detail in order to create a cultural experience that is surprising, striking and fun for our guests and local visitors to enjoy. We recognize the rich history of Macau, and we are very proud to build on our own legacy in artistry and entertainment, while linking both traits to the affluent heritage of China and Asia, to bring creative interpretations of Macau and China to the world through these inspiring artworks.”
Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said, “As the pioneer in bringing arts and culture to the local community, MGM is committed to cultivating the appreciation of art in Macau. Following the introduction of the MGM Art Space at MGM MACAU, we are proud to present this museum-quality MGM COTAI Art Collection to be unveiled when MGM COTAI opens this year. Combined with the manifold offerings available at both MGM MACAU and MGM COTAI, this will be one of the attractions that brings Macau to the world, strengthening Macau’s position as a world leisure and tourism center.”
The Chairman’s Collection
Curated by Mr. Calvin Hui, an acclaimed cultural entrepreneur and artistic director in Hong Kong, the Chairman’s Collection is comprised of 25 artworks by celebrated modern and contemporary Asian artists, many of which are rooted in oriental aesthetics with a contemporary touch and influence from the West. Mr. Hui says: “MGM and I have shared a vision for The Chairman’s Collection from the start, and it’s enabled me to curate a series of beautiful pieces that connect East and West, tradition and innovation, seamlessly. To procure and commission so many high-profile pieces from some of Asia’s most talented and renowned artists is a rare privilege. I hope the collection inspires people from Macau and around the world to understand the beauty of contemporary art, within the oriental context, and interpret and respond to each of the pieces in their own personal and unique way.”
“A World Linked Through Art” – the overarching theme of The Chairman’s Collection – is demonstrated through each and every piece. Juxtaposing East and West as well as tradition and innovation, the collection encompasses masterworks by artists including Hsiao Chin, Liu Dan, Liu Kuosung, Lin Guocheng, Xue Song, Xia Xiaowan and Zheng Lu, many of whom are Chinese who developed their artistic careers overseas.
The star piece of the collection is Chinese abstract artist Hsiao Chin’s acrylic-on-canvas Dancing Light 2016. Measuring 9m (W) x 1.6m (H), this is the largest painting ever created in the artist’s oeuvre. As a Chinese artist who has lived and worked in Europe and the U.S. for over five decades, Hsiao’s works truly reflects the “Oriental Spirit” concept, where he masterfully blends traditional Chinese technique and philosophy with Western aesthetics. Inspired by modern Chinese master Chu Teh-Chun, who has created a large painting as public art in the final years of his oeuvre, Hsiao created this piece for the MGM COTAI Art Collection which captures the essence of his decades long artistic career.
Another major highlight is Xue Song’s large-scale collage Eight Views of Macau. Xue Song is renowned for creating collage works made of fragments of paper from burning – a unique artistic style that originated with the tragic destruction of his studio by fire, where he took the remains of the burnt paper and put them onto canvas, adding colors and drawings to give new life. Specially created for the MGM COTAI Art Collection, Xue is visiting Macau to collect local books and publications and will use them as the basis for Eight Views of Macau, which captures the beauty of Macau’s nature and its people while documenting the journey of the artist.
Imperial Carpets from the Qing Dynasty
Leading the MGM COTAI Art Collection are 28 Chinese imperial carpets from the 18th and 19th centuries, that are being exhibited in Asia for the first time. Once adorned the Forbidden City in Beijing during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), these rare and precious carpets were both decorative and symbolic, possessing rich historical and cultural significance.
Ms. Cristina Kuok, Director of Arts & Culture Development, MGM China Holdings Limited, said, “At MGM, we strive to make art more accessible to the public. With this impeccable collection of imperial carpets, we invite visitors to travel through time visually and emotionally, to experience art created centuries ago and to appreciate the remarkable craftsmanship while understanding an important period of Chinese history and culture. The collection is a fitting tribute to Macau’s local heritage and culture, while also reinforcing Macau’s status as an international metropolis where world-renowned artworks are valued.”
The history of knotted carpets in China dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), yet it was not until the reign of the Qing Kangxi Emperor (1661-1722) that carpets made with sophisticated techniques and precious materials flourished. The imperial carpets in MGM’s collection embody remarkable craftsmanship of the masters to combine silk, gold, silver and copper to craft such exceptional objects, not only served as decoration but more importantly as a mean to express the imperial power’s underlying world-view.
A key highlight from the collection is Dragon of Heaven from the Qianlong period (1736-1795) of the Qing Dynasty. Made for the Palace of Tranquility and Longevity, the elements composing this carpet (dragons, flowers and clouds) are all in perfect balance, conveying a sense of harmony that connects with the role of the Emperor – to be the mediator between Earth and Heaven and to maintain a harmonious society under his rule.
Very few of the imperial carpets used to adorned the Forbidden City’s vast pavilions have been seen publicly – according to archives, no more than 300 imperial silk and metal carpets are known to exist today, making the collection ever more rare and valuable.
Specially-Commissioned Works
The MGM COTAI Art Collection will also feature large-scale, specially-commissioned art pieces that blend perfectly with the architecture’s interior design. A huge calligraphy by the highly-respected local calligrapher Ung Si Meng will be on display, telling stories of the Forbidden City alongside the imperial carpets.
The final jewel complementing the artworks is a stunning Swarovski chandelier, located in the spectacular MGM COTAI VIP lobby. Directed by Tord Boontje of Studio Tord Boontje from the United Kingdom, who is known for his expression of romanticism in contemporary design, this spectacular crystal art hanging at the dome ceiling is set to dazzle and amaze visitors at any time of the day.
Supporting Art and Culture Globally through MGM Resorts Art & Culture
MGM China’s parent company, MGM Resorts International, is a leader in the development of Las Vegas as a vibrant art and culture destination, having established MGM Resorts Art & Culture to encompass its varied art-related initiatives in Las Vegas and beyond. Art is thoughtfully displayed throughout the company’s distinctive world-class brands including Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay. As part of a series of comprehensive and ongoing programs, MGM Resorts Art & Culture is proud to be a partner of the fifth edition of Art Basel in Hong Kong in 2017, supporting the public art project Twenty-Five Minutes Older by local artist Kingsley Ng. In Asia, MGM China has established the MGM MACAU Art Space, presenting stimulating and innovative, classic and contemporary pieces from the far corners of the world in varied forms and shapes for guests and visitors to experience and enjoy. The MGM MACAU Art Space has successfully held exhibitions including Botticelli’s Venus: The Life and Times of a Goddess, Edgar Degas: Figures in Motion, and renowned Portuguese contemporary artist Joana Vasconcelos’ Valkyrie Octopus.
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About MGM
MGM is an abbreviation for MGM China Holdings Limited (HKEx: 2282) and is a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and lodging resorts in the Greater China region. We are the holding company of MGM Grand Paradise, SA which holds one of the six gaming concessions/subconcessions to run casino games in Macau. MGM Grand Paradise, SA owns and operates MGM MACAU, the award-winning premium integrated resort located on the Macau Peninsula and is developing a second resort, MGM COTAI which is expected to more than double our presence in Macau.
MGM MACAU is a Forbes Five-Star luxury integrated resort, inspired by the arts with every element of the resort infused with creativity and style. MGM MACAU has approximately 600 guest rooms and suites and boasts a number of distinguishing features, including the architecturally stunning European-inspired Grande Praça, housed under a soaring glass ceiling. MGM MACAU’s world-class facilities include the MGM Art Space, dedicating over 5,000 square feet to display authentic works of art, conference and event facilities, spa, and seven signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. The property is conveniently located on prime waterfront on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex One Central.
MGM COTAI is the latest addition to the MGM portfolio in China. Designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, it plans to offer approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high-end spa, retail offerings and food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience. MGM COTAI will offer Asia’s first dynamic theater and a spectacle to wow every guest who steps foot in the resort. MGM COTAI is being developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. MGM COTAI is the largest property and the first private sector project ever to achieve the China Green Building (Macau) Design Label Certification.
MGM China Holdings Limited is majority owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage.
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Irene Wong
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MGM
Tel: (853) 8802 2822
Email: irenewong@mgm.mo
Karen Lam Juliana Kung
Public Relations Manager Public Relations Manager
MGM MGM
Tel: (853) 8802 3801 Tel: (853) 8802 3803
Email: karenlam@mgm.mo Email: julianakung@mgm.mo