100 People, 100 Photos: Telling "Macao Stories" through light and shadow

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, a Macao photographic stories and interactive multimedia exhibition themed "Macao Stories: The Aspirations of 100 Macao People" opened on December 16 at the Galeria Lisboa in Macau Fisherman's Wharf. Featuring 100 videos of Macao residents sharing their aspirations and 100 photographic works capturing Macao stories, the exhibition offers visitors a visual feast.

Under the guidance of the Publicity and Culture Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao S.A.R. and the Guangdong Provincial Information Office, the exhibition is organized by Nanfang Media Group and the Lotus International Arts Exchange Association, and co-organized by GDToday, Macau Lotus TV, Macau University of Science and Technology Library, and Macau Image Gallery. 

Divided into two main areas—multimedia interaction and photographic displays—the exhibition showcases Macao's transformations over the past quarter-century since its return to China. Visitors can immerse themselves in experiencing the steady development that Macao has gone through, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy in Macao.

A vibrant mosaic of Macao's 25-year development

In the multimedia interaction area, an oversized screen displays portraits of 100 Macao residents, each linked to a short video. Visitors can use a standing touch-screen panel to select and view their stories, learning how Macao citizens have grown alongside the city and the motherland over the past 25 years while sharing their hopes for Macao and their own futures.

The photographic area exhibits 73 photographs (or series), including comparisons of old and new landscapes, intimate portrayals of daily life in neighborhoods, and images of iconic landmarks. Together with the 27 photographs (or series) displayed at the Macau University of Science and Technology venue, they vividly depict Macao's remarkable achievements in its social and economic development.

Liu Qiyu, President of Nanfang Media Group (Nanfang Daily)

"It is truly joyful and touching to watch these short videos and photos, and see how actively and excitedly Macao residents share their dream-chasing processes and achievements," said Liu Qiyu, President of Nanfang Media Group (Nanfang Daily). Liu emphasized that this exhibition aims not only to explore new paradigms for deep media collaboration amidst the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, but also to demonstrate the rapid changes Macao has undergone in the 25 years since its return to China, conveying collective aspirations for the city's promising future.

Li Zisong, President of Macau Lotus TV

Li Zisong, President of Macau Lotus TV, remarked that Macao, after 25 years of reunification, is a city of youth, vitality, and miracles. "Through this exhibition and media dissemination, we hope to present the most fascinating Macao stories to audiences at home and abroad."

Taking photos with Macao's "traditional specialty shops"

The exhibition also sets up a creative photo-op area, where life-sized recreations of traditional specialty shops on Macao's old streets are laid out. Visitors can sit on small stools and pose for photos against the special backdrop, which blends fantasy and reality, creating an unforgettable Macao memory.

Simultaneously, a sub-exhibition with photographic works is held at the Macau University of Science and Technology Library. These photographs, centered on the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, narrate "Macao Scenery" and "Macao Stories" characterized by the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures. The exhibition is open to the public for free until December 31, 2024.