Wen Jung Hsu’s Artworks praised by Christchurch’s Artists
On 15th January 2021, famous Christchurch artists Paul Deans, Sarah Deans and Keith Morant visited Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Christchurch. They were welcomed by Gallery Curator Venerable Abbess Manshin, Operation Manager Venerable Jue Xi and members of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island.
At the Art Gallery, the visitors were guided by Abbess for a tour of the After A Thousand Miles- Wen Jung Hsu's World Tour Exhibition. Along the way, Abbess elaborated to the visitors Wen Jung Hsu's creative philosophy and the history of this World Tour Exhibition and introduced to them the art pieces on display. On the theme Masterpiece, the "After A Thousand Miles" Sculpture, Abbess Manshin pointed out that it was created using Venerable Master Hsing Yun's signature to tell the story of the journey undertaken by Master in his propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. Abbess Manshin also showed the visitors Master Hsing Yun's One stroke calligraphy that portrays Master's persistence and perseverance in propagating the Dharma.
All three Artists have held exhibitions at both the FGY Art Gallery Auckland and the FGY Art Gallery Christchurch. Each of them has his own area of specialization. Paul Deans is good at woodcarving art, Sarah Deans is skillful at oil painting of plant series and Keith Morant is creative at abstract oil painting. The visiting Artists were greatly impressed by Artist Wen Jung Hsu's deep artistic cultivation and by his endless creativity and they praised each piece of sculpture for its Cha’n content. In addition, the visitors were warmed by Artist Hsu’s paintings which successfully convey the theme of the Exhibition. These art works allow them to see the aesthetics of the oriental art and the fruits of a successful integration of Art and Culture.
Using Master Hsing Yun’s New Year couplet “Cultivate a Heart that Blooms in All Seasons”, Abbess Manshin wished the visitors a new beginning, new prospects and new creativities in the New Year!