On 13th July 2019, an opening ceremony of exhibition “Transience” was held at New Zealand Fo Guang Yuan (FGY) Art Gallery Chrisrchurch and conjoint with grand tea party. It was attended by 200 people from Christchurch and friends of FGY, President of BLIA South Island, Bernie, represented curator of Fo Guang Yuan, Abbess Manshin, Christian representative Archbishop Dean Very Reverend Lawrence Kimberley and well-known International artist Keith Morant and his wife Tricia and many other VIPs.
“Transience” was presided by Morant Foundation. Keith Morant led 13 artists to organise the art exhibition. The exhibition included painting, ceramics, weaving, pottery, sculpture, image, etc. The vibrant in the art exhibition was like a small art saloon.
Artist Keith Morant has been exhibited in both FGY Art Gallery Auckland and Christchurch. Therefore, he has deep relationship with FGY Art Gallery. During the opening ceremony, Keith mentioned he was happy to incorporate artists in such a beautiful space for exhibition in Art Gallery Christchurch. It allowed the artists can have the opportunity to display their talents. He also added that this time exhibition “Transience” is an expression of impermanence in Buddhism, because joyfulness is not lasting. It is only in instant. Therefore, cherish the present and be determine in everything. The success of an artist presenting the excellent piece of arts.
President Bernie delivered speech on behalf of curator, admired Keith Morant’s bold idea to incorporate 13 artists to exhibit in this exhibition, that allowed the artists exchange art experiences with each other. Moreover, public has the chance to enjoy the different artworks in the art gallery, just like going to art festival. Very Reverend Lawrence Kimberley in his speech mentioned that he was amazed at the artworks in the exhibition. He is proud that Christchurch has such outstanding artists. He hopes that art could bring more spirit to Christchurch and bring joy to people.
Exhibitor Ruth Killoran in her speech said she is passionate about art creation. She loves to create impossible dream of art. She mentioned there is no time or space in creation, that makes her full expectation in the life. She thanked to the art that she is full of enthusiasm in life. Artist Christine Maynard said she is very passionate about nature. She always takes notice to the changes in nature. She knew that nature beauty is not constant. Therefore, using painting to retain the lasting of the nature’s moment. Artist Lisa Power is a photographer. Although she grew up in Western countries, she has liked for Chinese history. She is deeply interested in the history of Empress Wan Rong, the last Emperor of China. Therefore, she took her life as a subject of photography and integrated into West.
The public visited the art exhibition under the guidance of the artist. Artists, who participating in the exhibitions included Gaby Reade, Barry Johns, Jenny Taylor, Racheal Western, Lisa Power, Ruth Killoran, Helen Stevenson, Gus Milne, Esther Gane, Jane Zuster, Clare Wilcox, Christine Maynard and Jane McCulla. The public impressed by the inspiration shown by the 13 artists. They appreciate the outstanding artworks by the artists.
“Transience” will be exhibited until 1st September. The richness and varieties content in the exhibition bound to bring great surprise to local art, adding another wonderful page to Dharma propagation through art in New Zealand FGY Art Gallery Christchurch.
