“Uruguay, a Small but Great Country” Exhibition
Exhibition
MWVA Art Center
12th Aug to 14th Sept
“Uruguay, un Pequeño Gran País” Exhibición
“Uruguay, a Small but Great Country” Exhibition
Launching Ceremony of MWVA Art Center
Commemoration of the Establishment of the Consulate-General of Uruguay in Hong Kong
Venue：MWVA Art Center, L1 and L2 Floor, House 52, Mawan 1868
Time: 12th August to 14th t September, 2025 (10am to 9pm)
Organizers: Consulate-General of Uruguay in Hong Kong | Hong Kong VA Galleries
Support by:Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in China
Artist: Marcelo Cattani
Curator: Vincent l.j. DENG
Exhibition Preface
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of economic and trade relations between China and Uruguay. In May, H.E. Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, led a delegation to Hong Kong. Together with Mr. John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and Mr. Cui Jianchun, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, they proceeded to announce the establishment of the Consulate-General of Uruguay in Hong Kong. During the ceremony, Hong Kong VA Galleries and the Consulate-General of Uruguay in Hong Kong jointly announced the launch of a new cultural exchange initiative: the exhibition Uruguay, a Small but Great Country to be held this year at Mawan 1868—Hong Kong’s new cultural tourism landmark—alongside an international artist residency program.
This exhibition is also made possible with the strong support of the Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in China. It showcases 38 photographic works by renowned Uruguayan artist Marcelo Cattani. Having previously been exhibited at the Lima Metropolitan Museum in Peru, the Uruguayan Art Center in Beijing, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Uruguay, the Raffles City Chaotian Art Center in Chongqing, and the Dunhuang International Expo Center, the exhibition presents Uruguay's landscapes, people, and culture to a global audience. Through the artist’s unique perspective, it reveals Uruguay’s natural beauty from rural countryside to urban spaces, as well as the life, customs, and traditions of its people. The exhibition aims to forge a profound emotional connection with viewers, inviting them to see Uruguay through Cattani’s eyes—not only appreciating its scenic beauty but also deepening their understanding and appreciation of its culture and people.
Marcelo Cattani is an accomplished photographic artist from Salto, Uruguay, who has dedicated nearly four decades to his craft. His journey began at the age of 14 when he purchased his first camera, igniting a lifelong passion. Cattani’s early works focused on neighbors, local events, and his family garden, gradually shaping his artistic vision. He draws inspiration from diverse art forms beyond photography, including literature and music. Believing in the universality of art, he channels this philosophy into his creative process. For him, a successful photograph resonates with viewers, conveying our shared perspectives of the world. Through his images, he seeks to share inspiration, provoke thought, and move the audience.
Through this exhibition, the artist hopes to present a vibrant and endearing Uruguay to the Chinese people, fostering mutual understanding and friendship between our nations. He aims to strengthen the traditional bonds of friendship and cooperation between Uruguay and China—between nations and between people—contributing to the deepening of bilateral relations and promoting cultural exchange through the power of art.
Though separated by 18,000 kilometers, Uruguay comes closer to Hong Kong through the lens of Marcelo Cattani. His profound love for his homeland reveals a multifaceted Uruguay from diverse perspectives, allowing us to intimately experience its pristine nature, rich diversity, and profound heritage. We look forward to inviting more Uruguayan artists to Hong Kong and sending Hong Kong artists to Uruguay in the near future, organizing diverse art exhibitions and exchange programs. With the commitment of artists and cultural institutions, we aspire to support Hong Kong’s development as a hub for international cultural exchange, facilitate mutual learning between Chinese and Uruguayan cultures, and enhance the enduring friendship between our two countries.
Long Live China-Uruguay Friendship!
Curator, Vincent L. J. Deng, Managing Director, Hong Kong VA Galleries
Marcelo Cattani Sánchez
Marcelo Cattani es un fotógrafo uruguayo, nacido en Salto, ciudad a la margen del rio Uruguay y cerca del campo, donde desarrolla buena parte de su trabajo fotográfico, comienza sus contactos con una cámara con catorce años, profesión que abraza y ejerce desde siempre, en su actividad profesional se destacan muchos premios en Concursos y Bienales, nacionales e internacionales, exposiciones fotográficas en Uruguay ,Argentina, Brasil, EEUU, Cuba, Perú, entre otros.
También desarrrolló trabajos profesionales en el Mundial de Futbol Brasil 2014 acreditado por la FIFA, y realizó campañas para la empresa Win Initiative de Nueva York.
Es encargado del Centro Fotográfico de Salto, y Presidente de la Comisión Honoraria de Patrimonio del departamento. Ha realizado investigaciones con la Asociación Italiana de Salto, y exposiciones, “Los Tanos”,” Esta soy yo” fotografía de una inmigrante italiana que se reconoce en una antigua fotografía en el puerto de Génova y con sus manos envejecidas se señala, premiada en Washington DC en la feria de Arte Fotográfico 2010.
Es muy reciente la publicación de su libro de fotografías y textos” El Ojo del Alma” (2022), un libro que según el autor, tiene la intención de a través de sus fotografías desnudar su alma y su forma de ver el mundo, en forma simple, encontrar belleza en las cosas esenciales.
Así Cattani llega con sus fotos, como forma de hacer conocer su arte y su gente, y como decía Bertol Bretch,´¨me parezco al hombre que va con un ladrillo bajo el brazo para mostrarle al mundo como es su casa¨, y sus fotos son los ladrillos que lleva debajo del brazo para mostrales como es su casa, para abrirles la puertas de ella.
Marcelo Cattani is a Uruguayan photographer born in the city of Salto along the Uruguay River, near Campo, where he carries out most of his photography work. At the age of 14, he began working with a camera, which is a profession he has always accepted and engaged in. In his professional activities, he has won numerous awards in competitions and biennials, as well as national and international photography exhibitions in countries such as Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Cuba, and Peru.
He also carried out professional work at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and organized events for Win Initiative in New York.
He is responsible for the Salto Photography Center and is also the Chairman of the Honorary Heritage Committee of the department. He conducted research with the Italian Jumping Association and held an exhibition, "Los Tanos," "This is Me," a photo of an Italian immigrant, which was recognized in an old photo from the port of Genoa. Her hands had aged and she won an award at the 2010 Washington D.C. Photography Expo.
His photography and writing book "Eye of the Soul" (2022) is a recent publication, and according to the author, this book aims to use his photos to vividly showcase his soul and the way he views the world, finding beauty in basic things in a simple way.
Therefore, Cattani came with his photo, which was a way for people to understand his art and people, as Bertrand Brech said, "I look like a person holding a brick under his arm to show his house to the world." His photo was a brick under his arm, showing them what his house looks like and opening the door for them.
