Various writers and artists have recorded different aspects of Macao, its people, its architecture and its way of life. In the 18th century, the Chinese Scholar Yin Guang Ren and Magistrate Zhang Ru Lin wrote Ou Mun Kei Leok, an observation on the life of the city.

In the 19th Century, different foreign artists sketched and painted the city, undoubtedly attracted by its uniqueness. Through the years, many of the works of these artists were purchased or donated to the collections of, what is now, the Macao Museum of Art.

One of the most recent artists to capture Macao in a consistent way is George Smirnoff. He was born in Vladivostok, Russia in the year 1903. Later on in life he moved to Macao, finding its traditions and hospitality the best place for him to free his artistic talent. Macao has a long tradition of being a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan place, a haven for many. This is still true of Macao today.

It is therefore, under the auspices of the IACM, a body I am honoured to preside over, that we are pleased to support strongly the efforts of the Macao Museum of Art coupled with the support of the Macao Foundation in the commemoration of the Centennial celebrations of George Smirnoff's birth by presenting, as comprehensive as possible, an exhibition of his work.

I am sure that the public will enjoy this exhibition greatly, as it represents parts of the city where we live.

Lau Si Io

Chairman of Administration Committee, Macao Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau