Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition at Fo Guang Shan

On 10th February, the first day of Chinese New Year, the “Duo Kuan Li’s New Zealand Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition” was held at Fo Guang Shan. For the opening ceremony, Special guests included the local MP Mr Jami-Lee Ross, MPs from National and Labour parties, members of the Chinese Consul in Auckland, members from New Zealand and Chinese cultural exchange organisations, advisors and top members of BLIA, Curator of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Venerable Abbess Manshin, the artist himself, vice chairperson of the “Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Art Research Centre” Mr Duo Kuan Li, and over 100 spectating guests.

During the opening speech Mr Li expressed that he would like to make friends and create good affinities with everyone by the use of these artful words. He especially thanked the Abbess, the Venerables, the BLIA team and the temple for giving him this opportunity to shine. Conditions created by everyone’s contributions allowed this exhibition to happen in such a smooth manner. In order to show his deep gratitude toward the temple and the Venerables, and due to the Abbess’s appeals, Mr Li gave a live demonstration of his artistry by beautifully transcribing the words “One Should not Abide by Anything” as a gift for the temple.

Then the Abbess spoke about Fo Guang Shan’s tradition of using art as a stage for cultural exchange, which allows local and foreign artists to unveil the quintessence of life to the public audience. Hence the temple truly welcomes Mr Duo Kuan Li’s exhibition, which added one more flavour to the temple’s collection.

Afterwards the Consul General from China to Auckland Ching Bao Nu praised Mr Li’s masterful works. He expressed that he has dabbled in and understands Calligraphy artistry since he is young, hence seeing Mr Li’s works has astonished and touched him. National MP Dr Jian Yang also took the opportunity to bid happy new years to everyone, and praised Mr Li’s wonderful works and the success of this exhibition.

This exhibition included “The Diamond Sutra” and “Tao Te Ching”, which are both several meters long. Mr Li explained the content of the pieces to the audience, and emphasised that no mistakes can be allowed for the process of the long pieces. Everyone was admirably amazed at the artist’s high level of concentration and dedication toward this artistry.