HONG KONG (SE): Spirituality and art are closely related. The Diocesan Fund-Raising Commission for Church Building and Development, and Art for God of the Diocesan Audio-Visual Centre (DAVC) are holding an online exhibition of artwork by clergy and religious. Viewers are invited to purchase an art piece to support the development projects of the diocese.
A total of 32 works reflecting on faith and the meaning of life are now on display on the website of the Diocesan Fund-Raising Commission for Church Building and Development.
The exhibition, kicked off with an opening prayer service officiated by John Cardinal Tong Hon on January 9, and will conclude at the end of the month.
Father Benedict Lam Cho-ming, chairperson of the commission, said during the ceremony that the auction was for the future and hope of the Church. He shared that since it was set up two years ago, the commission had been able to raise $10.7 million, but the amount is still far below the target of $500 million in three years to support the various projects of the diocese.
He said the commission had planned to organise a walkathon at the beginning of last year, but the plan fell through for various reasons. He thanked the eight clergy and religious as well as the organisations that supported the auction.
The projects currently being undertaken by the diocese include the extension of St. Joseph’s Church in Fanling, the construction of the new church in Tung Chung and the development of cemetery facilities.
The artworks on display are by Father John Tsang Wai-hung, Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, Father Edward Chau King-fun, Father William Yip Hing-wah, Father Joseph Tham, Father Nicolas de Francqueville, Sister Laura Watt Shuk-mee and Deacon Francis Fung Sze-chung.
Sister Watt, of Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres, who started to practise Chinese calligraphy in 1980s, wrote the word “love” in Chinese in four different styles used in different stages of Chinese history. She said the work shows that people may interpret “love” differently in different stages of their lives. Underneath the words, she wrote the bible verse about love from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
This is the piece she likes most out of those she donated “because it is a poem about love and God is love,” she told the Kung Kao Po.
She hopes that the close connection between art and spirituality can be promoted through the fund-raising campaign. “Calligraphy is a kind of creation showing truth, virtues and beauty. The process of creating an art piece, in fact, shows the artist’s cooperation with God,” Sister Watt said.
Father Nicolas de Francqueville, of the Paris Foreign Missions, who came to Hong Kong six years ago, said he had practiced Chinese calligraphy for two years. He said he is still a beginner, but hopes to share love, hope and joy through responding to the invitation to join the exhibition.
He told the DAVC that he believes Chinese calligraphy is like spiritual training as they both take hard work and practice to reach maturity. The French missionary added that learning calligraphy is a good way to appreciate Chinese culture, which enables him to be closer to local people.
The results of the artwork auction will be announced on February 3 and the pieces will be presented to the highest bidders on February 6.
