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It is with great
pleasure that I verify that the Macao Museum of Art
continues incessantly to widen the spectrum of
its presentation in this first exhibition of an International
Contemporary Blade Smiths works, most rightfully named The Masters
of Fire.
The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau sees with pleasure the
progressive internationalization of the Macao Museum of Art and its
efforts in bringing to the limelight of its galleries, different
types of expressions, a task that has been
carried intensively for the past several years
China and its Long Quan steel history have a long tradition of more
than a millennium of working with steel. China's history is most
rich in episodes dealing with the products of the master forgers and
smiths.
To see that this form of art and craft, so often sent into oblivion,
still continues to exist and manifest in different styles, is most
encouraging.
I wish to thank all the participating artists for responding to the
pioneering call from the Macao Museum of Art. It is not unusual for,
albeit the smallness of Macau's geographic area, to note that its
spirit is wide and open.
I am sure that this very pioneering exhibition may set an example
and hope that more artists may respond in the future, for ideas and
concepts are important in a moment of the history of the world where
everything is changing.
Lau Si Io
Chairman of Administration Committee
Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau of Macao |
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MESSAGES FROM THE PARTICIPANTS |
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In
the name of the Brazilian Bladesmiths Society, I would like to
congratulate the decision of the Macao Museum of Art in opening its
doors to contemporary bladesmiths.
I believe that this is a pioneering event worldwide and we do hope
that this stance can be kept, thus helping the cultivation and
perpetuation of such a noble art.
The Brazilian Bladesmiths Society places its availability to assist
in any way so that this project may have the necessary and deserved
success. We hope that such success will bring future editions of
such a wonderful event.
Ricardo Vilar
Chairman - Brazilian Bladesmiths Society |
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The
Macao Museum of
Art is to be congratulated for it’s effort in presenting
contemporary bladesmiths’ work in a museum context.
I have worked closely with several of the world’s top smiths, in
collaboration efforts, so have perhaps a unique view into the world
of the contemporary smith. Working intently with these men has
engendered my deep respect for their dedication, creativity,
knowledge and skill: all qualities necessary to produce the
exceptional works seen in this exhibition.
Jim Kelso |
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The sword has long
been a powerful conceptual vessel, from the La Tene period
Iron Age, to the Renaissance.
Swords were made with artistry that
went beyond the mere function of the object.
A blade is a talisman, as well as a tool, and therefore has great
potential as an artistic vessel.
The Macao Museum of Art exhibition "Masters
of Fire" is a step forward for artist blade
smiths who have been labouring to create art for many years.
As an artist blade smith, it is an honour to
have this acknowledged, and it hopefully represents the beginning of
a new awareness of the blade as an art object.
Jake Powning |
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS |
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The Macao
Museum of Art wishes to thank
Federal Express
for their sponsorship on the shipping of the exhibits
Philippe Charriol Foundation
for loan of objects
and
Mr. Augusto Jorge
Mr. Guido Schiller
Mr. Christopher Kenji Gleeson
Dr. Joseph Leung
for their support and most invaluable contribution for this
exhibition |
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