Visit of FGY Christchurch Team to Home of Famous Christchurch Artist
On 10th March 2021, famous Christchurch artist Paul Deans visited Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch and was welcomed by the Gallery Curator Venerable Abbess Manshin and Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island Minister-in-charge Venerable Jue Xi. The Deans family is a well-known family of artists in Christchurch. Paul Deans and cousin Sarah Deans had previously held highly acclaimed Art Exhibitions at the FGY Art Gallery Christchurch. Because of these Exhibitions, Paul and Sarah have both become friends of FGY.
Because of the undented artistic heritage and the fine background of Paul and the Deans family, FGY Art Gallery Christchurch has specially invited Paul to organise a Joint Exhibition at the Gallery for himself and members of his family in 2022. During his visit, Paul Deans discussed with Abbess Manshin matters related to the proposed Joint Exhibition. At the meeting, Paul expressed his eagerness to organise the Joint Exhibition and promised to go all out for it. Afterwards, Paul invited Gallery Curator Abbess Manshin and her team to visit his home at the outskirt of Christchurch.
Paul's house is located at the seaside of Sumner in the outskirt of Christchurch. It sits on the peak of a small hill, overlooking the distant ocean, and with a vast stretch of mountains at its back. Outdoors and indoors in his home, Paul’s artworks are displayed everywhere and interspersing with Paul’s works are his brother’s sculptures and his father’s paintings. In his studio, Paul displays his artistic creations of many years, among these are small pieces of art works of memorable histories, carrying with them the important watermarks and emotional imprints in Paul's artistic life. Paul also displays his sculptures at every corner of his living room, making it into a small art gallery.
This visit of FGY Team to Paul’s home allowed the Team to have a better understanding of the artist's background and his lifestyle. This will come in useful in the planning of the proposed Exhibition. Both Paul and FGY Christchurch hope that through cooperating with each other, the Christchurch public will be able to relive the glorious days of the Deans family, and that the flame of living in this quiet city of Christchurch will once again be rekindled by the artistic venture.