Imagery of Christianity – 2026.10.27

The Rui Cunha Foundation opens on Tuesday, October 27th, at 6:30pm, the photography exhibition “Imagery of Christianity” by veteran Macao photographer Chendra Thamsir.

The exhibition presents a collection of 27 photographs taken across two decades, exploring themes of faith, landscape, and the visual presence of Christianity.

The exhibition marks the 450^th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau Catholic Diocese. As a devoted Christian, Thamsir has spent years documenting religious ceremonies, creating series of work he hopes will resonate with both local residents and visiting Christians from around the world.

Going beyond conventional architectural photography, Thamsir focuses on the harmonious relationship between sacred spaces and their surrounding environments. “What I see is the extraordinary way in which natural spaces and churches reflect and complement one another – or Holy splendor.” He said, describing the quality of these scenes as visual and spiritual magic. The exhibition also features more conceptual works, expanding the theme “Imagery of Christianity” into a broader vision of “heaven on earth”.

Born in Indonesia as an overseas Chinese, Chendra Thamsir completed his secondary education in Macao in 1974. In 1988, he traveled abroad to pursue advanced photography studies at the Tokyo College of Photography in Japan. Upon returning to Macao, he established a career in professional photography while serving as a part-time photography instructor at the Macao Polytechnic University and the Macau University of Science and Technology. Thamsir’s work has ranged from fashion and portraiture to antiques, cultural artifacts and jewelry. He published his first photography collection, Carita’ Service – A Different Outlook on Life, in 2001, followed by Temples of Macao in 2002.

The works will be on display until November 7^th, 2026.

Admission is free.
Don’t miss it!
For Macau, Further and Higher!