BLIA Member's First Exhibition in Canterbury Museum

94 years old Calligrapher, Mr. Tang is one of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) south island New Zealand members who live in Christchurch. Mr. Tang started practicing calligraphy at the age of 6, for over 80 years. He is not only proficient in the ’Zhao’, ‘Li’ character writing, but also an expert in practicing Tai Chi and German shepherds breeding. To promote the beauty of Chinese calligraphy in Christchurch, Mr. Tang held his very first personal calligraphy exhibition in Canterbury Museum. On the 3rd of October, the vice president of BLIA South Island New Zealand Louisa Kuo, Dharma lecturer Rona Ku and BLIA members congratulated Mr. Tang for the success of the exhibition. The VIP of the evening included the MP of National Party, Yang Jian, Christchurch City council representative, Jimmy Chen, General of the Christchurch Chinese Consulate, Mr. Jing and 50 others.

The Museum representative thanked the public for attending the opening ceremony and the, Roger Fyfe explained how Canterbury Museum was committed in promoting the Asian Culture. MP of National Party, Yang Jian said the art of calligraphy represented the Chinese Culture the most, of which allows Chinese to connect well with the other countries. Christchurch City council representative, Jimmy Chen mentioned that he is honored to be invited to the ceremony and he enjoyed Mr. Tang’s character and also stated that the character also reflected his wisdom and manner. General of the Christchurch Chinese Consulate, Mr Jing was also very impressed with Mr. Tang’s abilities, which includes being able to have his own exhibition at the age of 94 and becoming a well-respected Tai Chi teacher. He hoped Mr. Tang could have another calligraphy exhibition at the age of hundred years old.

The organisers invited all VIPs to open the red cloth covered with Mr. Tang’s Calligraphy artwork for the opening ceremony. Mr. Tang also demonstrated his Calligraphy skills in front of the public. While he was writing, his wife also played a beautiful melody with Chinese instrument. Mr. Tang thanked everyone for attending his first calligraphy exhibition and wrote an art of calligraphy titled ‘Museum collected past and present treasures, displayed the rareness and uniqueness’ as a gift to Canterbury Museum.

The guests enjoyed Mr. Tang’s calligraphy that was written between 80 and 94 years old. By enjoying his work, everyone finally understood why he loved and respected calligraphy so much. Mr. and Mrs. Tang mentioned that they are proud to be part of BLIA, being able to cultivate the Humanistic Buddhism introduced by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. They also hoped that the public could understand the importance of cultural heritage through the art of calligraphy.