The Opening of the "Songs for Remembrance Painting Exhibition – a Memorial to Keith Morant" at FGY Art Gallery Christchurch

On 2 April 2022, a tea party was held at Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch to mark the opening of the Songs for Remembrance Painting Exhibition – a Memorial to Keith Morant. The Exhibition was held in remembrance of the late artist, Keith Morant. The tea party was attended by close to 50 people consisting of the Director of FGY Art Gallery Christchurch, Venerable Jue Xi,wife of late Keith, Tricia Morant,President of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island, Bernie, Friends of FGY and former friends of Keith Morant.

At the Exhibition, memories of Keith Morant were aroused by a documentary video on Keith Morant's life, recording Keith’s creative life from his youth to the recent past, the awards won by Keith and the lively interviews given by him.

At the opening ceremony, Tricia gave a speech thanking FGY Art Gallery for hosting such a well-planned commemorative exhibition for Keith. Tricia said: although FGY NZ Art Gallery Curator Venerable Abbess Manshin, who was tied up in Auckland, was unable to attend in person to the preparation of the Exhibition, FGY Christchurch still made every effort to prepare for the Exhibition. Tricia recounted that, Keith, who was full of artistic creativity, had also published collections of poetry in addition to indulging in painting. Keith had not stopped creating even though he was ill. This Remembrance Exhibition was meant not only to commemorate Keith as a creative artist, but also to mobilise his positive and optimistic attitude as a force to drive people towards positivity.

In her speech, Venerable Jue Xi said that Keith was not only an outstanding artist, but also a profound practitioner of Humanistic Buddhism, silently spreading the philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism through his brushstrokes. Venerable Jue Xi believed that Keith's spirit will always be with us, and that he will be reborn again to this World to practice the Bodhisattva way.

Delivering his speech, BLIA South Island President Bernie commented that Keith's colourful artistic creations and intriguing contents had touched the hearts of countless people. Keith had developed a good interaction with FGY for many years, and had brought a lot of joy to the people through his artistic creations. Bernie hoped that Keith’s optimistic spirit will continue to flourish.

Director of BLIA South Island, Kok Wei Low, pointed out in his speech that Keith was a wise and compassionate elder who often guided and encouraged the younger generation. Keith had contributed to FGY Christchurch with his artistic talents, including cooperating with the Gallery to launch the environmentally friendly shopping bags, and donating more than 100 pieces of his works to the FGY New Zealand. Keith’s spirit of charity had always been a source of admiration.

Afterwards, Tricia guided the audience to tour the Exhibition, starting from Keith's works in the 1970s, to his works in the 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010 and 2020. as well as Keith’s  easel, table and tools used in painting, the couple’s miniature art gallery, and the shopping bags with Keith's artistic works printed on them. All the items on display reminded the audience what a great artist Keith was!

The people who attended the opening day tea party had plenty of mixed feelings. Peter and his wife, who are the owners of Windsor Gallery, became friends with Keith after involving with making frames for his paintings. In their impression, Keith was a man with a mind of his own and his works were inflicted with his lively and cheerful personality.

Phelinda, Gary, Dave and Catherine have been close friends with Keith for nearly 30 years. They claimed that Keith was approachable and helpful and it was truly an honour to be his friends.

Mike and Brigitta, who have known Keith for 35 years, appreciated Keith's works very much because they were rich in connotation. They claimed to have learnt a lot from Keith’s works.

At the Exhibition, sumptuous refreshments were prepared for the audience to enjoy while admiring Keith’s works and other items on display including Keith’s painting tools and the mini art gallery. As an appreciation of their attendance, a shopping bag printed with Keith’s artistic creation was presented as souvenir by the Gallery to each attendee. The attendees were elated and visibly moved by the Gallery’s gesture.