Never Really Enjoyed Art Fests? You've Been Doing It All Wrong
It's really not as pretentious as it seems ;)
Published for Macao Government Tourism Office, 31 Mar 2016, 08:10 PM
If you're looking for some inspiration in life, art festivals are hands-down the best place to be
What could be better than a collection of theatre, opera, literature, music, dance, performing arts, and visual arts all accessible at one time? Most cities have their own art festival, giving the perfect excuse for a local road trip or even an international adventure in the name of art.
A lot of people get overwhelmed by art (echoes of "I don't get it" may ring a bell) but the true beauty of it is that it is up to your own interpretation. Here's a guide to truly enjoy yourself when getting your art on:
1. First and foremost, go with the right company
If you're gonna go with someone who doesn't appreciate art in the least (and has no plans to start anytime soon), chances are the person won't have a good time and you'll be too worried about them being bored to have a good time yourself!
Instead, bring someone with an open mind who might appreciate a play or two. On top of having company throughout the experience, having another person with you also gives you the opportunity to discuss the performances or paintings you just saw from a different perspective.
You could also take it to the next level by bringing a friend who's an expert in art and can teach you a thing or two that otherwise may have completely gone over your head.
2. Use the festival programme as a compass
Going to an art festival unplanned may lead to accidental discoveries of cool shows and awesome exhibitions but for maximum enjoyment, it's always a great idea to familiarise yourself with the programme. In this way, you'll have plenty of time beforehand to get to know the artists and performers involved, and if any of the events require advance bookings before the festival.
3. Overwhelmed by all the art forms? Pick a favourite!
Knowing us Malaysians, we'd try to fit the whole festival's programme in our schedule if we could! But the best way to truly enjoy yourself at a comfortable pace is to go through the entire programme and pick out the ones you're most looking forward to, whether it's an artist you stalk on Instagram or a dance performance by a troupe from your hometown.
4. A great way to understand still art is by comparing it to the TV
It is generally easier to appreciate art in dance and theatre form, because they hit all the senses with music, movements, expressions and feelings. But when it comes to still art, especially abstract paintings, the most basic response is, "Pfftt! A five-year-old could have have painted that!"
Traditional paintings focus on content (which could be a person, a house, an event and so forth), in the same way a TV show focuses on a story to tell. An abstract painting, on the other hand, is like tearing the TV apart and seeing all the individual components that make the TV work.
When looking at abstract paintings, ask yourself: How was this painting made? What do I think the artist is trying to represent? How does this painting make me feel?
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5. Participate in the workshops
There's a lot that goes into a piece of art than most people realise, and attending a workshop that focuses on one of these components is a great way to uncover the process for yourself. Most art festivals offer workshops for various art forms, from movie-making tips to painting techniques to critiquing guidelines. The best part? You'll get to pick up a new skill or two, too!
6. Make sure your outfit agrees with the activities you signed up for
First and foremost, check where the festival is going to be held. If the venue is at a field, for example, then best to leave those high heels at home. Also, if you're planning on participating in any workshops, classes, or activities that require a lot of physical movement, come dressed in loose, comfortable clothing.
7. Get good seats
As mentioned, some shows require pre-booking and most of the time seats are really limited so always book early to nab yourself a spot. On the day of the performance, it's okay to turn your kiasu mode on and arrive early to get the best seats. If you're watching a play, it makes more sense to be right at the front where the action is, where you can see every expression and feel every emotion.
8. Always keep an open mind
The best way to truly have a good time is to leave any judgements at the door. Just go around and explore, meet new people, see new things, and enjoy the best art has to offer! You never know, some of your best inspiration and connections could be made at that festival itself ;)
Ready to put your pro art fest skills to good use?
The 27th Macao Arts Festival is coming up! Running from 30th April to 29th May in Macao, the programme this year pays tribute to literary legend Shakespeare and famed Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu on the 400th anniversary of their death.
Hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the annual festival brings together theatre, dance, music, circus, multimedia and visual arts in an artistic panorama of events.
Here are some highlights you wouldn't want to miss:
The festival opens with the classic romantic comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream by the award-winning Shakespeare Theatre Company. Bonus: There's also a Backstage Tour available if you'd love to explore the set and props that make up each act in the performance!
Written by Tang Xianzu during the Ming Dynasty, The Legend of the Purple Hairpin is now a classic Cantonese opera, bringing with it an age-old tale of love and hate that begins with a purple hairpin.
For something more minimalist, check out the surreal dance duet Obsession by renowned Japanese choreographer Saburo Teshigawara. Watch how impossible desires become reality through an obsessed, irrational love in this unique duet.
Ready for your art fix?
Find out more about the programme, tickets, and venues here.