News: From Embers to Blossoms: Sou Pui Kun Printmaking Exhibition Opening

Artist (Mr. Sou Pui Kun) and Gallery Director (Mr. Lai Sio Kit)

Group photo of guests at the opening ceremony

Cloud Gallery is proud to present "From Embers to Blossoms: Sou Pui Kun Printmaking Exhibition," which will officially open at 3:30 PM on April 6, 2025, at Cloud Gallery (EM MACAU, Beco do Marinheiro N° 7, Ngan Son Rés-do-Chão A). This exhibition will showcase the latest series of works by Macau contemporary printmaker Sou Pui Kun, marking his first public presentation of new creations since 2022. The exhibition will systematically trace the development of his signature "UV-cured ink intaglio printmaking" technique, featuring approximately 30 pieces (sets) of works to delight art enthusiasts and the public alike. The exhibition will run until May 11, with free admission and closed on Mondays.

About Sou Pui Kun:

Born in Macau in 1959, Sou Pui Kun is a retired associate professor from the Faculty of Arts and Design at Macao Polytechnic University. A scholar-artist, he is renowned for his innovative "UV ink layering exposure" printmaking technique. In addition to his in-depth research on printmaking, his works also extend to ceramics and photography. Sou has won numerous international awards, and his works are collected by prestigious museums and institutions, including the National Museum of Chinese History in Beijing, the Guangdong Museum of Art in Guangzhou, the Chongqing Art Museum in Sichuan, and the Macao Museum of Art.

Witnessing the Contemporary Breakthrough of Printmaking Art:

The exhibition is structured around two major series: "Embers" and "Blossoms." The former, rendered in black and white, condenses the violent aesthetics of war. One of the works in this series won the gold medal at an international printmaking biennale. Through multiple layers of etching, the rough knife marks carve out the texture of the earth scorched by artillery fire, described as "an epic creation that bursts with dynamic tension in a static image." The latter series, dominated by rouge red and indigo, utilizes Sou's unique UV ink multi-layer exposure technique to create multiple transparent color layers on a single plate, capturing the ethereal beauty of flowers in his post-retirement rural seclusion.

A Dual Revolution of Technology and Philosophy:

Sou Pui Kun emphasizes that his creations are a continuous inquiry into the "essence of printmaking": "Contemporary art often questions the reproducibility of printmaking, but I transform limitations into advantages—by precisely controlling the exposure time of each ink layer, mechanical processes give rise to unpredictable artistry." The curatorial team highlights that Sou's breakthrough lies in "Realizing humanistic care with modern technology”: the "Embers" series critiques the inherent greed of humanity through war imagery, while the "Blossoms" series heals traumatic memories with color. This shift from social critique to inner exploration subtly aligns with Macau's historical progression toward cultural integration.

Exhibition: From Embers to Blossoms: Sou Pui Kun Printmaking Exhibition

Date: 6/4/2025 - 11/5/2025 (Closed on Mondays)

Location: Cloud Gallery (EM MACAU, Beco do Marinheiro N° 7, Ngan Son Rés-do-Chão A)