The inauguration ceremony for the “News from the Forest” exhibition, featuring work by Portuguese artist Ana Jacinto Nunes, was held at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex on Friday, June 11, 2021, at 6pm.

The exhibition has been organised by the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao). It is the first show under the series “Lusophone Polychromes”, part of the 13th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao (appointed by the Portuguese-speaking Countries), Mr Paulo Jorge Rodrigues do Espírito Santo, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech. Other officiating guests included: the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Ms Li Yijun; the Consul-General of Portugal in Macao and Hong Kong, Mr Paulo Cunha Alves; and the President of Casa de Portugal em Macau, Ms Maria Amélia António. Deputy Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao (appointed by the Macao SAR), Mr Casimiro de Jesus Pinto, and the Representative of Portugal to Forum Macao, Ms Maria João Bonifácio, also attended the ceremony.

Mr Espírito Santo mentioned in his speech that Macao had for centuries been a place acting as a bridge to link the various peoples, cultures and economies of the East and the West. 

The establishment of Forum Macao – as a multilateral cooperation mechanism – aims not only to enhance trade and investment links between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, but also to expand exchanges between all participating parties. The “Lusophone Polychromes” series of exhibitions aims to boost the close ties between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, by strengthening and promoting friendship through the arts and culture.

Artist Ana Jacinto Nunes was born in 1973 in Lisbon, Portugal. Her work spans a wide range of techniques including painting, drawing, printing, sculpture, and ceramics. Her output has been shown around the world for the past 20 years: she has held solo exhibitions in art galleries in the United States, Germany and Portugal, as well as in Macao.

The artist has also taken part in creative projects in Belgium, Greece, Italy, Canada, Spain, the United States and Macao. Her work has attracted wide interest from people in various parts of the world.

She divides her time between Portugal and Macao. The culture in each place has had an influence on her work, as seen in the pieces on show in the “News from the Forest” exhibition.

Exhibition period: From June 11 to 27, Tuesday to Sunday, from 11am to 7pm; closed on Monday. Free admission.

Venue: China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex Exhibition Gallery (Avenida Dr Sun Yat Sen)

Casa de Portugal em Macau is holding a series of workshops in tandem with the exhibition. Participants can learn how to produce traditional Portuguese handicraft accessories, under the instruction of seasoned artists, getting a taste of Portuguese culture.

All are welcome to enjoy the exhibition. To learn more about the 13th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, please visit the website semanacultural.forumchinaplp.org.mo.