Taipa Village Cultural Association is delighted to present Show-Off 4.0, the fourth instalment of three accomplished art collectors' exhibition in Taipa Village. Building on the cultural influence brought to the community by the first show in the series, Show-off 4.0 is a treasure trove of art acquired by three renowned collectors whose backgrounds are a study in diversity: economist José Isaac Duarte, legal consultant Luís Pessanha and artist Chao Iok Leng.
The exhibition showcases the impressive collections the trio have amassed over the years, sourced both locally and internationally, including beloved artworks that adorn the most intimate spaces in their homes. The show explores ideas related to the collection of art and aims to promote collecting as a cultural asset spurred by individual initiative that may also broaden a sense of commonwealth, foster vitality in society, add diversity to local economies—including though activities such as art trading—and nurture local and international talent. Each collection in the exhibition reveals aspects of the collector's personality.
José Isaac Duarte is a university economics lecturer who contributes regularly to the local press with commentary on economic and social issues. He holds a degree in economics from the University of Coimbra in Portugal and a master's degree in environmental economics from the University of London. Duarte is also the founder and former managing partner of the Amagao Gallery at the Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau hotel, which specialises in promoting art from Portuguese-speaking countries.
In this exhibition, Duarte contributes artworks by Malangatana Valente Ngwenya (1936-2011), widely regarded as one of Mozambique's most important modern artists and a major figure in 20th century African art. Malangatana was not only a painter, but also a poet, muralist, cultural activist and political figure. His work is represented in major international collections, including at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
Luís Pessanha is a legal professional and researcher serving as a legal advisor to Macau's Legislative Assembly and a part-time lecturer in the University of Macau's Faculty of Law. The son of Portuguese painter Ana Pessanha, he has been immersed in fine art since childhood. While he comes from a family of painters and designers, he humbly notes that the talent for creation skipped him and instead, he channels his passion into appreciation. Over the past few decades, he has amassed a small collection of works at a leisurely pace, mainly by local painters, artisans and photographers, but also by artists elsewhere. Each piece holds special significance, often accompanied by a unique story. Although the artworks have only a modest monetary value, Luís hopes his collection brings great enjoyment to all who visit his home.
Over the past decade, Luís and his partner have been actively engaged in acquiring artworks both locally and internationally. Their collection has gradually expanded and evolved, increasingly shaping the character of their living space, in which the accumulation of works now extends across the walls and toward the ceiling, reflecting the depth of their commitment to art. Displaying an art collection at home adds significant meaning, transforming a space from a simple apartment with bare white walls into a personal expression of taste and identity.
Chao Iok Leng currently serves as Vice President of the Macau Yi Un Calligraphy and Painting Association, an academic adviser to the Macao Association of Chinese Culture and Arts, an art adviser to the Macao Culture and Art Association, an honorary adviser to the International Women Artists Association-Macao, and a member of the Macau Artist Society. Chao founded Macau's Livraria Ngai Chi Hin (Ngai Chi Hin Bookstore) in the 1980s, supplying the "four treasures of the study"—brush, ink, paper and inkstone—and craft supplies, benefiting fellow artists and winning much praise from the art community. In the early 2000s, she established specialty fan shop Nam Fan Lou, selling a range of artistic fans as another medium in which to promote and develop calligraphy and painting. Chao has been consistent in her pursuits, embodying the essence of a true artist in both calligraphy and painting.
In this exhibition, Chao is presenting two of the name plaques from her former shops, alongside personal objects she has kept at home with great pride and a deep emotional connection. Historically, Chinese shop name plaques (zhāopái) have a long cultural tradition and were once a defining feature of Chinese streetscape. They represented more than mere signage, functioning as cultural capital, communicating aspirations, symbolising community recognition. Today, they can be understood as objects of cultural heritage.
Organiser:Taipa Village Cultural Association
Time of Event:12:00-20:00
Venue of Event:Taipa Village Art Space, No. 29-31, Rua dos Mercadores, Taipa, Macau
Inquiry:(853) 2857 6212
E-mail:info@taipavillagemacau.org.mo
Website:
www.taipavillagemacau.org.moStart Time of Event:04/03/2026
End Time of Event:15/05/2026