Watercolor Story
An Immersive Award-Winning Masterwork across 25 LED Displays at MGM Resorts Luxury Atrium in Macau
WATERCOLOR STORY at MGM COTAI - Site-specific Immersive Ink Brush Painting Content Comes to Life on the Spectacle on 25 LED Video Walls at MGM COTAI, the World’s Largest Immersive Art Platform In Macau To Celebrate Chinese New Year by cFire
Artist Zheng Chongbin and cFire’s "Watercolor Story," delves into the profound connection between the ancient art of ink brush painting and the luminous realm of digital technology.
Motivation
Our mission was to breathe life into the past, while beckoning the future, forging an indelible connection between tradition and innovation, where every pixel danced in unison to pay homage to the rich tapestry of Macanese and Chinese cultures;
In contemplating the essence of my creation in collaboration with technical studio cFire, "Watercolor Story," one must delve into the profound connection between the ancient art of ink brush painting and the luminous realm of digital technology. The raison d'être of this work is in the celebration of the Chinese New Year, acting as an illuminated tapestry woven to accentuate the enduring bond between Macau and the heartland of China.
3 Acts of Ink Brush Tradition, Timeless Hues and Icons, Across Luminous Strata
Each act within "Watercolor Story" reveals vibrant echoes of traditional Chinese ink hues: the fiery passion cinnabar red, the tranquil allure of aquamarine, and the boundless depths of cerulean blue.
As the curtain rises on each act, a canvas of traditional ink is populated with iconic figures from Chinese and Macanese heritage—cranes, fish, and sailing vessels, meticulously rendered in the eloquent strokes of ink brush mastery.
These living symbols traverse the landscapes of mountains and the tranquil waters of Macau Harbor, evoking a sense of timelessness and continuity.
For a deeper dive, please see the Making Of The Watercolor Story, featuring Behind the Scenes footage of the art, the animation and the methodology behind the immersive digital artwork.
“The use of traditional colors and icons including cranes, fish, mountains and water represent familiar cultural values shared by both China and Macau such as longevity, wisdom, good fortune, power, prosperity, luck, and harmony. ”
Results
1.Engaging Experience - Watercolor Story offered guests a bespoke unparalleled immersive experience, making it a standout brand activation.
2.Innovative Use of Traditional Art - Watercolor Story is a first-of-its-kind ink brush painting, that came to life digitally on the world's largest indoor LED wall installation, making it an exceptional digital art experience.
3.Enhancing Brand Positioning - Watercolor Story enhanced the positioning MGM Cotai as a luxury destination with a distinct authentic artistic offering, reinforcing its brand and unique value proposition.
4.Cultural Relevance - Watercolor Story captured the essence of Chinese New Year, a significant cultural event in Macau, and highlighted the destination's deep connection with China, making it a culturally insightful brand experience.
Awards - The work picked up two Davey Awards in the 2023 Emerging Technology Category.
Best in Show: Virtual & Immersive Experiences-Arts & Culture
Gold: Creative Innovation-World-Building Design
We're thrilled to receive these awards and proud to be among "small shops that rock!"
Please learn more about this award and the panel of judges at the Davey Awards website.
Links
Learn more at MGM Cotai and MGM Macau, and more about other MGM Resorts International destinations
For more on the fundamentals of LED video wall content please see our CFIRE blog, CFIRE website, and recent repost on Sixteen-Nine