Fo Guang Yuan Christchurch cultivates the local artwork showcase with 21 local artists - a joint exhibition to connect the Beautiful Affinities
The Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Christchurch held a joint exhibition namely: “Clay Works 21 Christchurch potters” on 17 September, featuring the works of 21 local ceramic artists. The exhibition was curated by Tricia Morant, the president of the Canterbury Ceramic Association and the wife of the late artist Keith Morant. Over 80 local people attended the opening ceremony, including exhibiting artists and their families, as well as friends of Fo Guang Yuan. The exhibition displayed more than 100 high-quality ceramic works, which showcased their vitality and colors in the perfect space of the FGY Art Gallery Christchurch bringing infinite surprises to the people of Christchurch.
The gallery's curator, Venerable Abbess Manshin, oversaw the exhibition and was pleased with the turnout. She explained that the pieces on display were created by artists from all over the world and represented a range of styles and mediums. Abbess Manshin is known for her expertise in the arts and has curated numerous exhibitions in the past. She hopes that this exhibition will inspire visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of Buddhism and appreciate the beauty and skill of the artists who created these works. Abbess shared that Keith Morant had donated over 100 artworks to the FGY Art Gallery before his passing. The gallery's headquarters has since sent Keith's works on a world tour, and this announcement moved Tricia to tears. Abbess also expressed the gallery's commitment to supporting artists and their creations, as well as to providing a platform for artists to showcase their works to the public.
Gayel Marquett, the spokesperson for the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery CHCH's "Friends of Fo Guang Yuan" group, praised the beautiful works on display and the artists' dedication. Tricia Morant expressed her gratitude to the gallery for providing a platform for the exhibition during a time when many art galleries in New Zealand were closed due to the pandemic.
During the opening ceremony, exhibiting artist Alex Prentice spoke on behalf of the artists, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their works and the encouragement they received from seeing many of their works already sold. Exhibiting artists Andrew Carran and Mary Lou Foate also guided visitors through their works and shared their creative ideas and inspirations. The diverse range of pottery artworks on display was well received by the public, with 30 pieces sold on the opening day, a great achievement that gave the artists confidence in the exhibition.
The “Clay Works 21 Christchurch potters” exhibition at the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery in New Zealand will run from September 17 to December 24. The exhibition has already created a buzz, and more surprises and moving moments are expected in the coming two months.