On 15 January 2023, the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch held an opening tea party for Indigo Blue, Flower Language – Tang Wenjun’s Indigo Dyeing Creations Exhibition at its two galleries in New Zealand. Attendees included Venerable Abbess Manshin, Curator of the FGY New Zealand, Liao Hong Yan and Shen Jian, Representatives of the People Republic of China Consulate in Christchurch, Gayel Marquett and Dr. Patterson Stark, FGY friends, pianist Jamie McDermott, wire artist Leonore Ashby, Vickie Hernshaw, representative of the Ikebana Flower Arrangement Association, Zhang Dong, Vice President of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island and 50 members of the public from Christchurch.
The opening ceremony featured a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony. Abbess gave a speech stating that Tang Wenjun is a rare artist who personally cultivates indigo plants and extracts dyes. Each piece of work has a distinct theme and carries different meanings. The works are predominantly blue, a color that possesses a powerful life force and reflects the colors of the earth, sky, ocean and other natural elements. It reminding us to cherish and protect the ecology of nature. The exhibited works constantly challenge the boundaries of difficulty, such as a 20-meter-long piece and a well-defined three-dimensional piece, showing the artist’s seriousness in creating and the beauty of traditional art.
Over the course of its three-month run at a gallery in Auckland, the exhibition continued to receive praise and admiration. The exhibition featured Tang Wenjun’s mastery of traditional indigo dyeing techniques and showcased her unique artistic vision that focuses on the colors blue, indigo and purple.
Gayel, in her speech highlighted that Tang’s ability to break away from the conventional and use blue, indigo and purple as the main themes in her works. She emphasized that indigo dyeing has a rich history and deep symbolism, with blue representing the sky, indigo representing the universe, and purple representing the throne of heaven. Indigo, in particular, is associated with intuition, creativity, spirituality and can enhance an individual’s focus. Gayel praised Tang for awakening people’s understanding and insight into indigo art through her exhibition.
In the speech of Jamie, commending Tang’s artistic spirit and skillful execution of dyeing techniques. He especially admired her three-dimensional works, which showcased the beauty of starlight and moonlight intertwining in the night sky. Jamie believed that Tang’s dedication to her craft is a valuable lesson for everyone to learn.
Abbess then led the attendees on a tour of the exhibition, showcasing the 20-meter-long Heart of the Ocean and four suspended three-dimensional works which including the Searching for Plum Blossoms 3D Hanging Scroll, Elegant Lotus Shadows, Fragrant Plum Blossoms, and Fluttering Ornament Set.
Considering how successful the exhibition was in New Zealand, it demonstrated the public’s appreciation for traditional crafts and art, as well as the beauty of Eastern art. The exhibition is exhibiting in FGY Christchurch until 16 April. It is expected to bring a new perspective to the world of handmade arts and crafts in Christchurch.