Galaxy Macau’s Eggspression exhibition hatches Macao’s first large-scale egg installations

There couldn’t be a more literal symbol of creativity than an egg. Perhaps that’s why it has captured the imagination of artists over the years. Galaxy Macau’s newest art exhibition, Eggspression, at GalaxyArt and Galaxy Promenade, sparks reflection on the deep connection between art, life and our world, while addressing the themes of environmental consciousness and sustainability.

Hatched by celebrated Dutch artist Henk Hofstra and New York City’s artists and designers collective The Egg House, the show runs until 7 October and features art installations that crack open the hidden marvels of life, the power of art and the magic of love. It’s an immersive art experience and a fun, not-to-miss destination for families this summer, with photo opportunities awaiting at every corner – along with artwork that ranges from the whimsical to the conceptual and, of course, the purely fun. Get set to have your mind scrambled, in the best possible way.

Whisking up some great art

For celebrated Dutch artist Henk Hofstra, art happens serendipitously. “I was drawing before I could speak,” he says. “Art is the way of self-expression that comes most easily to me.” 

Hofstra is especially admired for addressing everyday themes in captivating ways through his public art installations. “Public art is possibly the most important of art forms,” he believes, “Not only because it’s for everybody, but also because it has a lasting impact.” A case in point is his acclaimed 2007 Blue Road installation, which led to the revival of a disused water canal in Drachten, northern Netherlands.

Eggspression marks the first time Hofstra has exhibited his large-scale egg installations in an indoor venue. The Macao and Hong Kong debut follows outdoor shows in Rotterdam, New York, Wuhan, and other cities. 

Among the pieces are the larger-than-life, glossy sunny-side-ups – entitled Eggs Fall From the Sky – that seem to have slipped down from above. Another installation specially created for this exhibition, Loving Birds, imagines fried eggs in the shape of birds and can be found across Galaxy Macau.

But beneath the eggs’ apparent simplicity, lies an important message. “All life begins with an egg. However, under the threat of global warming, life on earth is being compromised,” Hofstra says, recalling a recent road trip to Nice in the French Riviera, where the weather was so hot it was possible to fry an egg on the scorching metal of his car’s boot. 

Even though the installations have an underlying seriousness, Hofstra says his first aim is to put a smile on people’s faces. “If I can do both – make them smile and make them reflect – then I will be one happy man.”

Come out of your shell at The Egg House

The idea of bringing to life an egg-themed house came to New York-based creatives Biubiu Xu and Vivian Cai over a lazy brunch heavy on, you guessed it, eggs. 

“Our goal was to turn an everyday object into something extraordinary. That notion was at the core of this egg wonderland that is The Egg House, which we hope will evoke feelings of curiosity and delight among our audience,” says Cai, a graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York and winner of the 2021 iF International Design Award. The Egg House’s captivating, slightly surreal design is inspired by Alice’s journey in Wonderland, Cai explains – “We want to make people think about the beauty around us.”

Following shows in New York, Los Angeles and Shanghai, which attracted visitors in their thousands, The Egg House has now found a nest at GalaxyArt, where it provides an opportunity to connect with the local community, Cai emphasises. It’s also The Egg House’s first exhibition alongside Henk Hofstra, whose work Xu and Cai have long admired.

Each of the rooms in The Egg House – foyer, kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom – has been ingeniously infused with egg motifs and a good dose of colour. It has its own resident egg character too, Ellis. 

Visitors are greeted by an egg served sunny-side-up served over Macao’s iconic cobblestone pavements against the backdrop of the city’s skyline. They are then led into a pastel-hued kitchen, where egg motifs – like a supersized egg carton – invite visitors to step inside for that Instagrammable moment. There’s a warm and cosy living room and adjoining bedroom, both of them alive with egg motifs, as well as a giant bathroom with its supersized egg-themed toilet bowl, toilet paper and shower. 

Why eggs? “In many cultures, eggs symbolise new life, new beginnings,” Cai says. “There’s no way to cast a negative light on them – they’re just full of energy.” 

Fostering art and creativity

Eggspression is part of Galaxy’s “GEG Arts & Culture Initiative,” which led to the establishment of the non-profit space GalaxyArt in 2021. In line with the Macao SAR Government’s “Tourism + Culture” strategy, the initiative supports both local rising stars and international names, enhancing the city’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Visitors who wish to continue their multi-sensory eggcentric tour of the resort with an array of egg-inspired dishes can do so at eight dining outlets, including Cha Bei, Blossom Palaces and Andaz Kitchen. A holistic health approach was followed in the crafting of these special menus, which celebrate the humble ingredient’s versatility.  Diners get 20 percent off on their Eggspression menu items at any of the participating restaurants by presenting the entry ticket. 

While complimentary egg-themed art workshops are available for those who feel inspired to whip up an eggy masterpiece, dining vouchers and limited-edition prizes will be given to exhibition-goers who capture their egg adventures on social media.