Exuding Dharma Fragrance with Flowers and Spreading Chan’ Purity with Professor Kuo’s Paintings
At the Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch, the introduction of Gallery Curator Abbess Manshin’s floral arrangements into Professor Kuo Yen–Chiao’s Traditional Chinese Painting Exhibition has added extra character to the already successful Exhibition. On 11th August 2020, Suzanne Cleveland from Christchurch visited the Exhibition and she was greatly impressed. She full of praises for the beautiful traditional Chinese paintings, as well as the Chan’ floral arrangements there.
According to Suzanne, floral arrangements may look simple, but when done well, they carry deep meanings, reflective of the thinking and character of the floral artist. In the free and open style floral presentations, Suzanne could feel the joy of positivity emanated therefrom. From the choice of simple materials and the expressive designs, Suzanne could see the dedication and wisdom of the artist. Suzanne’s husband is at the moment under treatment for cancer in hospital, and she planned to bring him to the Exhibition tomorrow so that the beautiful paintings and flowers can inspire him in a positive way and renew his fighting spirit again.
FGY Art Gallery Curator Abbess Manshin has never attended training for floral arrangement. Inspired and spurred by Professor Kuo’s paintings, Abbess delved into floral arrangement, engaging herself with the selection of right materials including the choice of matching-color flowers. And with her skilful hands, Abbess was able to produce high quality floral arts. Throughout the entire process of floral arrangement, Abbess was steady and composed, and she finally completed 30 floral pieces, big and small, within a span of only a few hours, reflecting her wisdom and high moral culture. The inclusion of floral arrangements has made the Exhibition pleasing and outstanding which has indirectly helped in the propagation of Buddhism.