The entrance to the Sands Gallery exhibition at Art Central highlights the main works of the three Macau artists. Platform
Located near the entrance of Art Central, a golden “Sands Gallery” sign invites visitors to explore 40 works by three young Macao artists, alongside elements from the exhibition A Century of Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Radiance, currently on display at Sands Gallery until 31 August.
“I feel truly honoured to have been invited by Sands China to participate. This opportunity allows us to present our work on an international platform,” said Lei Ieng Wai, one of the artists benefiting from the international exposure.
More than a one-off appearance, the initiative is part of a broader strategy. Since the establishment of Sands Gallery in 2022, the company has positioned the space as a platform connecting local artists with international circuits, in line with the Macao SAR government’s policy of economic diversification.
“One of the purposes of Sands Gallery is not only to bring international artists to Macao, but also to serve as a bridge to take local artists abroad,” said Wilfred Wong, emphasising that participation in Art Central represents “a first step” in this internationalisation process.
Read more: Sands China makes grand debut at Hong Kong’s Art Central
Held annually in Hong Kong, Art Central is one of the region’s leading art fairs, bringing together galleries, emerging artists and international collectors during the city’s “Art Week”, alongside events such as Art Basel.
According to Wong, investment in culture must be understood in long-term terms. “Immediate returns should not be expected (…) we must continue to invest,” he noted, adding that the goal is to create opportunities for local artists to gain visibility beyond Macao and establish connections with galleries, curators and collectors — a level of freedom rarely granted by galleries.
Initial feedback has been positive, with organisers recognising the quality of the artists presented and expressing interest in continuing the partnership next year.
The Sands Gallery booth features artworks by three of Macao’s young artists – Lei Ieng Wai (on the left), Dor Lio Hak Man (in the center), and Leong Chi Mou (on the right). Platform
The three selected artists present distinct yet converging approaches in how they explore Macao’s identity. Lei Ieng Wai draws on scientific principles and geometric structures to reflect the fluidity of urban space; Leong Chi Mou examines cultural tensions and notions of value shaped by migration experiences; and Dor Lio Hak Man blends Japanese manga with Western painting, creating hybrid visual narratives, much like Macao itself.
“I hope the public can experience the unique artistic character of Macao through these works,” said Dor Lio Hak Man.
Their presence on an international stage, however, raises a broader question: to what extent can initiatives of this nature contribute to positioning Macao as an artistic hub?
The booth also showcases historical collection from “A Century of Iec Long Firecracker Factory in Radiance – An Exhibition on the Resonant History and Aesthetic Memory of Macao Firecrackers”, currently on view at Sands Gallery in Macao. Platform
The Macao SAR has been strengthening its cultural presence through events, exhibitions and public policies aimed at integrating art, tourism and the creative economy. In this context, the role of concessionaires such as Sands China is increasingly tied to that diversification strategy.
For Wilfred Wong, the process requires flexibility, testing pathways before consolidating them. “At the end of the exhibition, we want to know [from the artists] whether they achieved good results. If the answer is yes, then we have been successful. If not, we want to understand why, so we can map the next steps forward.”
Among the artists themselves, this sense of progress is also becoming more evident. “I hope to continue improving and to show younger artists that Sands China has helped open up the local art ecosystem,” said Leong Chi Mou, adding that many Macao artists are already “keeping pace with international standards, which is a very significant sign.”
