On 1st November 2026, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch held the opening ceremony of the Embracing Ōtautahi exhibition. Through his sketches and paintings, renowned Christchurch artist Paul Deans documented the city’s rebuilding journey following the devastating earthquakes. Nearly 110 guests attended the opening, including community members, Minister in Charge of FGS Christchurch Venerable Juexi, and BLIA South Island President James LOW. Together, they reflected on Christchurch’s recovery and transformation over the past 15 years.
The exhibition reflected on the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. At that time, Paul took his sketchbook into the earthquake-affected city, capturing streets filled with scaffolding, steel structures and shipping containers. Fifteen years later, these valuable sketches were transformed into colourful paintings, illustrating the city’s journey of recovery and rebuilding.
The Deans family is one of New Zealand’s well-known pioneering families. Their ancestors emigrated from Scotland to New Zealand in 1840, facing the hardships of early settlement. Over more than 180 years, the family has continued through seven generations. Descendants of the Deans family have become accomplished rugby players, artists and other notable figures in New Zealand. Several roads in Christchurch are named after the family in recognition of their contributions to the community and the country. Paul Deans is a fifth-generation descendant of the family. Both he and his cousin Sarah Deans are well-known artists who have maintained a close connection with FGY Art Gallery Christchurch.
Venerable Juexi shared Paul’s close relationship with FGS over the past decade in the speech. When Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order passed away in 2023, Paul brought his sculpture Meditation on Death and Life to the Temple for display as a tribute to the Master, allowing visitors to remember his compassion and wisdom. Venerable Juexi said that Paul’s paintings not only documented the scenes following the earthquakes but also reflected Christchurch’s strength in overcoming difficulties and moving towards hope. Venerable also highlighted that the Temple is a gift to the Christchurch community from Venerable Master Hsing Yun and warmly invited everyone to visit regularly to find peace and spiritual renewal.
In his speech, Paul Deans recalled that his connection with the Gallery began many years ago through an invitation from Venerable Juexi. This latest invitation had encouraged him to revisit the sketches he had set aside for 15 years. He subsequently spent a year transforming them into paintings. Paul shared that the exhibition was not only about his personal experiences but also represented the shared memories of many Christchurch residents. Although the earthquakes had destroyed buildings, they had also brought people closer together, teaching them to care for one another and appreciate the equality and preciousness of life. Paul expressed his gratitude to the FGY Art Gallery team for their dedication and support in making this meaningful exhibition to life.
During the opening ceremony, attendees observed a moment of silence to honour the victims of the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. An interactive question-and-answer session also gave visitors an opportunity to learn more about the stories behind the artworks. As visitors viewed the artworks, they recalled memories of the city and reflected on its journey of recovery. The exhibition also highlighted the Gallery’s commitment to connecting people through art and fostering harmony in the community.
