Opening of Humanity & Love Oil Paintings
The New Zealand Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Chirstchurch held an opening ceremony on the 11th of February for the ‘Humanity and Love Oil Paintings’ drawn by artist ZiJian Li. Present at the ceremony was Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery’s curator Venerable Abbess Manshin, Canterbury Police District Inspector Al Stewart, Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board Deputy Chairperson Helen Broughton, Canterbury University Professor Michael Reid, Oil painter Carole Harnett, Sculptor Paul Deans, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) North Island President Lintao Yu, and 60 other friends of the FGY Art Gallery.
During the opening ceremony, the gallery curator played a video showcasing ZiJian Li’s biography and his story with Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The true story touched many hearts within the audience, as they realize the great level of compassion shown by Master Hsing Yun, and the relentless work ethic of artist ZiJian Li. At the same time comes an appreciation for the source of inspiration for the creative masterpieces, and the deeper meaning behind those works of art.
Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board Deputy Chairperson Helen Broughton gave a thanking remark to Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island New Zealand for their enormous contribution to the wider community, and said that she felt honoured attending that day’s opening ceremony, whilst giving a shout out to encourage all Riccarton residents to pay the FGY a visit to appreciate the excellent artpieces. Canterbury University Professor Michael Reid said that the pictures provided a plain and genuine look into China’s humanity, and that of strong affections between one’s grandmother and granddaughter. He also said that it was his pleasure to have been invited to visit the art gallery and appreciate such moving works of art.
FGY Art Gallery Christchurch curator Venerable Abbess Manshin mentioned that ZiJian Li’s oil paintings were showcased more than a decade ago too in Australia, and at that time, it was hoped that the paintings could also be brought to New Zealand. Although the invitation process was met with several harships and challenges, that past hope has finally been realized, and for that we need to thank the good merits from all ten directions. The curator wishes to thank everyone for their patience, for after almost four years of waiting, FGY Art Gallery Christchurch finally has more new art pieces to show. We hope everyone will continue to show their support for the art gallery, so that there will be more exciting exhibitions to come and bring more vibrant colours into Christchurch.
Besides the standard ribbon cutting ceremony, the gallery curator and guests also made a grand revealing of a big oil potrait of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. As the crowd remarked on the Master Hsing Yun’s composed demeanor, they also could not miss out on the high level of attention to detail which artist ZiJian Li has devoted to his brushwork.
Several members of the public commented that the displayed artwork certainly served as a strong example of fine art and humanities. One cannot help but feel that the artist, in his pursuit for finding a way to express humanity and love, has somehow managed to settle on a honest yet simple portrayal of peace in his artwork. The visitors were glad to have come, and hoped to attend more similar functions in the future. FGY Art Gallery Christchurch, since reopening last August, has held 3 major exhibitions so far, and it is hoped that many more exciting ones will come soon.