Visitors Touched by Artist Wen Jung Hsu’s Exhibition
The After a Thousand Miles – Wen Jung Hsu World Tour Exhibition started in 2019 at the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Hall in Taiwan, and then went to Hong Kong, China, Japan and Southeast Asian countries. During this period, it was affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic and finally arrived at New Zealand Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery. The Exhibition will be on display at the FGY Art Gallery Christchurch from 9th January to 28th March 2021. On 14th January 2021, there was a Grand Opening at the Gallery that attracted the participation of 150 Christchurch residents.
The After a Thousand Miles Exhibition at FGY Art Gallery Christchurch exhibited more than 30 pieces of works consisted of 7 sculptures, 15 oil paintings and 9 ink paintings. The huge paintings and ingenious sculptures were very extraordinary and shocking. At the stage when the Exhibition was being set up, the exhibits had caught the attention of many visitors who happened to be around. During the exhibition, they were appreciated and praised by even more visitors.
Sculpture artist Penny Wright was one of the ribbon-cutting Guests of Honour at the opening ceremony of After a Thousand Miles Exhibition. After hearing Gallery Curator Abbess Manshin’s explanations on the theme work of the exhibition, the After a Thousand Miles Sculpture, Penny was shocked by Artist Wen Jung Hsu’s bold concept of using Master Hsing Yun’s name as the main body of the Sculpture, and then, using beautiful artistic lines, cleverly described Master’s journey in his propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. In addition, Penny was deeply impressed and warmed by the small sculpture of Master Hsing Yun which vividly showed on its face the kindness and compassion of Master Hsing Yun. Penny, who is also a sculpture artist herself, felt that the sculptures in the After a Thousand Miles Exhibition had opened her eyes and enhanced her creative inspirations. After its opening, Penny specially brought her friends to the Exhibition, guided them around and explained to them the meaning of the "After a Thousand Miles" Sculpture.
Paul Coleman, who is a Psychological counselor, often visits Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island Temple to enjoy the vegetarian food at the Water Drop Café. Once at the Temple, he will also visit the Buddha Hall and the Art Gallery to gain peace and tranquillity. Paul had deep admiration for the exhibits of After a Thousand Miles Exhibition. He would carefully appreciate each piece of work, and read the After a Thousand Miles Exhibition publication to understand Artist Wen Jung Hsu’s creative ideas and work concepts. Coinciding with the Exhibition, FGS Temple South Island also held its “Light Show” in the night. One night, while taking his wife and children to visit the Light Show, Paul took the opportunity to guide them for a tour of the After a Thousand Miles Exhibition where he introduced to them the poster of Artist Wen Jung Hsu, his sculptures and his paintings. Paul's lively explanations made the family listen with intense keenness, and filling them with great admirations for Hsu’s works. Paul's three teenage sons were full of praises for the Exhibition claiming that it had brought them peace and tranquillity.
For a first-time visitor to FGY Art Gallery Christchurch, Christchurch resident Jo Bind was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the After a Thousand Miles Exhibition. Jo claimed that Artist Wen Jung Hsu’s sculpture works were very unique. Jo was also deeply interested in Hsu’s paintings. From the painting Welcoming Spring, Jo was able to feel the joy of simple rural life. Jo’s favourite painting was A Mother’s Love for her Calf, where he could feel the deep connection between two. The strokes in the painting were matching and balanced, vividly interpreting the emotions and interactions of the animals.
After a Thousand Miles Exhibition allows the people of Christchurch to learn about the beauty of oriental art through the excellent works of Artist Wen Jung Hsu. It has indeed served to promote artistic exchanges between Chinese and Western cultures.