Looking Back, Going Back: The Poetic Paintings of Local Artist Celeste C. da Luz
Macau artist Celeste C. da Luz recently held a solo exhibition titled "Rain and Shine" at butter room on Calçada da Guia. The exhibition's name is inspired by a line from Su Shi's poem "Drinking at the Lake After Rain and Before Sun": "The shimmering water is beautiful in fair weather, and the misty mountains are enchanting in the rain." This line describes the changing scenery of West Lake between sun and rain, subtly conveying an admiration for and acceptance of the diversity of life. The exhibition theme expresses her observations of daily life and her attitude towards its unpredictable nature, using the alternation of sun and rain in nature to symbolize life's various experiences, and her willingness to maintain inner peace even when facing life's uncertainties.
The exhibition space features large floor-to-ceiling windows and showcases 9 paintings and 2 installations. With natural light falling on her works, the space changes with the shifting light and shadows outside, further emphasizing the mood of "Rain and Shine."
In addition to this exhibition, Celeste has also created some independent publications, including "stories from the sea," which documents her collection of small stones by the sea in the UK. Each stone, repeatedly washed by ocean waves, loses its sharp edges and becomes smooth and round, symbolizing our journey of refinement and growth in life. She deliberately placed the zine in a sand-filled packaging bag, so holding it in one's hand feels like hearing the sound of waves, as if being by the sea, making the stories on paper even more real.
Another zine, "i made some brownie 127," records casual photos from her daily life in the UK. Even without knowing the stories behind the photos, she delicately captures moments from life, conveying her observation of everyday details and boundless imagination. Through these photos, she recreates scenes, transforming silent images into emotionally resonant memories.
From Celeste's works, it's clear that she is someone who excels at integrating subtle everyday emotions into art, capable of wholeheartedly capturing fleeting moments in life and extending them into emotionally rich creations. Her works not only present beauty but also convey her emotional stories. As Leo Tolstoy said in "What is Art": "The value of art lies in whether it can convey deep and sincere emotions to the viewer." I believe Celeste's creations achieve this; her works are more like vessels of emotion, allowing viewers to inadvertently find a space for emotional resonance.