“Dialogue and Evocations” Art Exhibition Opens at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery

On 8th February, a new exhibition called “Dialogue and Evocations” by local artists Irena Keckes and Nim Flora Chan was held at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery. The exhibition’s open ceremony was attended by Venerable Abbess Manshin, BLIA North Island President Stephen Xu, Vice-President Bo Cheng Huang, Auckland University Elam Art School Professor Jim Speers, Auckland University professor Manying Ip, Auckland flute artist Adrianna lis, Film maker Bobby Huang and over one hundred audiences including many of the artist’s friends and family.

The Abbess spoke in appreciation toward the artist’s exhibition. She hopes all audiences can obtain meaning of the art by having their own conversation with the pieces. She also mentioned that the temple it’self is also a piece of art, with its gardens, architectures and wonderful volunteers. She welcomes more people to visit the temple and spread it’s ideals.

Two professors also stepped upon stage to appraise the artist’s work. They mention about their intricacies and stylishly combining both western and eastern artistic thoughts. It showed their willingness to challenge themselves.

After her performance, musician Adrianna talked how art through music, painting and sculptures can enrich our lives.

The Artist Flora thanked everyone’s attendance and expressed appreciation toward all the volunteers that made this exhibition possible. She also explained her work’s utilisation of heavy ink brush works and hopes to people room to ponder while observing her works.

Artist Irene expressed that: “Both our works are expressed with black ink and empty space. My particular piece utilises carving larges of wood as molds in order to print onto the canvas with ink. This expresses a sense of balance between simplicity and complication. Art is not just about the end result, as the process is more important than the end goal.”