Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery South Island’s Official Opening of Wandering Comfortably In The Floriculture
I was one of the official invited guests of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery at the opening of
“Wandering Comfortably In The Floriculture-Pressed Flower Art Exhibition at the renown Buddist Temple.
Joined by local MP’s, Nicky Wahner, Brendan Burns,Leanne Dalziel, Councillor Sally Buck and invited guests. David could not join me but Alexandra Gill did insead! We had a wonderful afternoon!
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, dressed in white and looking every inch of a princess,
Ms. Shanshan Shiao explained to the guest how some of the artwork was done but noty before telling us that she chose New Zealand as the first country for her exhibition!
She began the art of pressed flowers in 1991, with her perseverance and hard-work; she passed the various levels of examinations and gained her doctorate license. Not only was the series of exhibitions that took place on her work, her Celestial Beings Scattering Petals publication was first printed in 2004.
Through her artwork production, Shanshan Shiao has never ceased her ability to continue learning new skills, through the ten years of accumulated experience, the artwork that she produces today are spectacularly breathtaking.
One of the series of artwork that would be on exhibition at South Island New Zealand is from her Tantric Buddha statue series. This series of her work inspired the well known Master Lin-Yun and also captures the hearts of its viewers bringing them peace and a sense of compassion. The other series on display is from the Flowers and Birds series. From her study of Chinese art history, she found passion in the Flowers and Birds literati paintings from the Song Dynasty.
One petal a time, and a leaf for each moment, piecing together into the numerous inspirational artworks, these pieces that has so far toured much of the world will be in Christchurch at the end of the year. Such delicate Pressed Flower artwork is definitely an exhibition that must not be missed!
Before joining the others for refresments, I was given a personal guide tour of Farberge egg exhibition upstairs ( Emu eggs).
I had bought one of these last year at a charity auction and you will why they are worth so much!
See photos below.
Egg Art originated from the medieval times, when an emperor of Russia presented his wife with an Easter Egg as a gift. Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery South Island is currently exhibiting renowned artist Helena Kim’s profound egg art, embracing you through a dream, with her inspirations from Royalty, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends, Marriage and many more.
Wandering Comfortably In The Floriculture-Pressed Fkower Art Exhibition at the renown Buddist Temple:
Date: 1st December 2009 – 31st January 2010
Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm
Venue: Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery South Island
Address: 2 Harakeke Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
Contact telephone: (03) 341 6276
Stay tuned for photos.
