FGS Christchurch in the 2022 Open Christchurch

The 2022 Open Christchurch, Discover Your City through Architecture, organised by the New Zealand Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture and City Making, was held on 30 th April and 1st May 2022. This was the second year Fo Guang Shan Christchurch was selected as one of the 40 buildings worth visiting in Christchurch city.

The reasons why FGS Christchurch was selected as one of the buildings most worthy of visiting include:

1. Innovating and unique design of the outer wall of the Temple with four Bodhisattvas

2. Temple architecture perfectly combines Eastern art and Western technology

3. Built with natural raw materials that reflect the original intention

4. An oasis of tranquillity in the busy city can be found at the Temple

5. Open-View design gives Buddha a view of the city and protects the people

Despite the pandemic, there were still 700 people from different backgrounds and nationalities visiting the Temple. FGS NZ Abbess Manshin led 20 Buddha’s Light International Association and YAD members to introduce and explain the architectural concepts of the Temple to the visitors. Most of them were first time visitors who were attracted by the unique design and green-building concept adopted by the Temple. The visitors expressed that the visit was worthwhile and meaningful. As they were delighted to discover such a place that not only enhanced their knowledge, but also enhanced their inner peace.

2022年第二屆基督城開放日

由紐西蘭綠色公益團體「建築與城市 建設研究中心」（ Te P ū tahi Centre for Architecture and City Making ）所發 動的第二屆「基督城開放日」(Open Christchurch) 優良建築物參觀活動，

於 2022 年 4月30日及5月1日在基督城舉 行。南島佛光山今年再度獲選為基督城 四十餘座最值得參觀的建築之一。

南島佛光山獲選最值得參觀建築的原 因為：

一、龍門石窟外牆上四大菩薩的設計非 常創新獨特。

二、整體建築完美結合東方藝術及西方 技術。

三、以天然的原始材料打造，體現佛教 回到根部、回歸自我的修行宗旨。

四、在鬧市中提供寧靜優美的心靈沉澱 空間。

五、如來殿「開門見山」的設計看到佛 陀守護人民的慈悲。

雖值疫情防疫階段，兩天的活動依然有 700 名不同背景及國籍的民眾前來參 訪，包括工程師、建築師、市場協調員、 教師及藝術家等。紐西蘭佛光山住持滿 信法師帶領南北島佛光人及佛光青年 20 人，為大眾介紹道場的建築概念。

許多參訪者是第一次來訪，有的則是在 眾多建築中只選擇參訪南島佛光山，因 為對道場的建築理念深感興趣。大部分 參訪者都被道場獨特的設計所吸引，經 導覽義工講解建築的特色及功能之後， 對綠建築的概念感到驚歎，並表示不虛 此行。

參訪者感謝常住的用心安排，讓他們對 道場有深入了解，欣喜在鬧市中有這麼 一座樸實又貼近人心的綠建築。當天的 參訪不但在知識層面有所提升，也感受 到心情的平和寧靜，身心沉澱，可以說 是一趟身心靈的深度之旅。

On 29 th October 2022, The 6 th Art Salon hosted by Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Auckland commenced. On the same day, an artist get-together was also held to invite participating artists to return to the Temple for ribbon cutting in the Opening Ceremony. The Curator of FGY Art Gallery New Zealand, Abbess Manshin, led the organising team to participate in the Ceremony. The distinguished guests included Auckland City Councillor Ms Sharon Stewart, Former MP Hon Maurice Williamson, Howick District Councillor Ms Adele White, Senior Sergeant Anson Lin, Director of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland Ms Kendra Chen, over 200 artists and their relatives and friends.

This year, there were 90 local artists, with more than 400 artworks exhibited in the Art Salon. There were a vast

The 6th Art Salon

Stunningly Beautiful Masterpieces in Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Auckland

variety of artworks in the exhibition, which included but not limited to oil painting, watercolour painting, glass arts, photography images, sculptures, weavings, embroideries. Over the past few months, Abbess has led the organising team to work collectively in order to present highquality services from execution and planning, to setting up the exhibition, organising exhibition tours, and sending invitations. This helps to bridge cultural interaction in the local community, create harmony and introduce inspirations for art creation.

Abbess Manshin delivered a speech to express her gratitude to the artists for returning to the Temple and coming together to celebrate the aesthetic of arts. Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery is a gift from the Founder of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order,

Venerable Master Hsing Yun, to the world. Many artists have participated in the exhibition since the first Art Salon in 2017. It allowed the visitors to witness the beauty of New Zealand’s local art, which warms everyone’s hearts. The Curator introduced several artworks by painters such as Roland Seibertz and Nidaal Altimimi on the spot and shared the stories behind the masterpieces, delivering the message of peace, harmony and purity to the public.

Respect others by publicizing their good deeds Support others by carrying out their vows

By Venerable Master

90+ Artists 500+ Artworks

Distinguished guests expressed their gratitude one after another. Councillor Ms Sharon, pointed out that the Temple is the pride of the community. She urged everyone to bring along families and friends to participate in this annual event. She even hopes that the public can purchase these local artworks as collection. Hon. Maurice Williamson, who participated in the Art Salon for the first time, shared, “It’s great to see the joy on everyone’s faces, I look forward to seeing the artworks on display and getting in touch with talented New Zealand artists.”

Ms Kendra expressed her gratitude towards Fo Guang Shan for supporting art and literature not only in Taiwan, but also providing a platform for local culture here in New Zealand. She said that 2022 is a meaningful year, as the public can have more in-person interaction following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Thanks to the Art Gallery for working hard for the community for the past 6 years,” she added.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun aims to deliver good messages through art and contributes to the aesthetics of local culture. ‘Appreciation’, ‘honour’, ‘joyful’, ‘peaceful’ are words that were commonly used by artists to describe the Art Salon. The diversity of the artworks uplifts and expands our hearts, and different voices represent the same joy.