A new book, Guide to Street Art in Macau, was launched yesterday at the Ponte 9 Creative Platform, according to an announcement from the publisher, the Center for Architecture and Urbanism.
Written by Filipa Simões, a design professor with the University of Saint Joseph, the work is the first to compile and critique street art in Macao. In an interview with Hoje Macau, the academic pointed out that her book is not intended to be an exhaustive collection of the works around the city but “a curated selection.”
While Simões acknowledges that the artform’s presence in the SAR remains small, she told local media that the artists “are a dynamic group that is always producing art,” with an eagerness to take their work to the public.
Speaking with TDM, she highlighted the fact that street art can serve as a conduit to disseminate the culture of Macao and attract people to particular areas.
[See more: MGM launches an art event to help revitalise the Barra district]
In explaining the rationale behind her new book, the professor said, “we noticed that in recent years, there’s been a lot of growth in the context of street art in Macao and we wanted to showcase it…and to show that there’s a big potential here to promote the city through its street art.”
In order to further develop the industry, the author said that the government and gaming concessionaires could consider arranging tours and festivals that promote the community’s understanding of such artworks.
Efforts have already been made in this department, with MGM inviting local street art duo AAFK to help create a mural with graffiti as part of its Barra gentrification initiative.
Street art in Macao can be found all across the city, with Patio de Chon Sau and Taipa Village among the major sites.
