HONG KONG (SE): The Ecumenical Art Committee, co-founded by the Hong Kong Christian Council and the Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, is hosting a Christmas art event titled “From Heart, Full of Love” in December.
The event features a biblical art installation and provide free greeting cards at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in Tai Po. The greeting cards will display artwork created by 27 Catholic and Protestant artists, with the aim of offering hope, peace, and love to patients and their families during this Christmas season.
During a launching ceremony on December 9 at the hospital’s administration centre, Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, chairperson of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, talked about the reason for setting up the Ecumenical Art Committee in early 2022. The committee organised its first series of exhibitions and workshops at St. Francis University from September to October last year.
“Art is one of the common languages of humanity and is also a medium through which Christians can express and spread their faith. The diversity of art represents the unity of Christians in seeking common ground despite our differences,” Father Chan said.
He was grateful for the generosity of artists who contributed to the exhibitions, a platform combining art and love serving as a tool of evangelisation to society.
“The significance of the exhibitions is not just to hold a joint activity, but to be witnesses of Christian unity, to convey the love of God to the society, and to let the faithful in the Church feel the power of Christian unity,” he said.
The significance of the exhibitions is not just to hold a joint activity, but to be witnesses of Christian unity, to convey the love of God to the society, and to let the faithful in the Church feel the power of Christian unity
Fathr Chan
Wilson Mok, chairperson of the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation, underscored the importance of this initiative in bringing comfort to the hospital’s patients, many of whom are elderly, chronically ill, or facing mental health challenges. “It is our responsibility as Christians to show care and empathy, following the example of Jesus,” Mok said, thanking both the Ecumenical Art Committee and hospital staff for their support.
At the heart of the exhibition is an impressive biblical art installation designed by Lucia Cheung, consultant to the committee. The centrepiece is an over one-metre-long wooden Bible capable of holding over 1,000 cards. Above the installation hangs a banner with the Chinese calligraphy “聖喇裂밟” [Light of the Word] symbolising the light of God that brings hope and holiness to believers.
Cheung hoped patients would experience renewed faith and strength through this powerful imagery, noting that it could be used for similar events in the future. She herself contributed an oil painting of a water lily amidst a storm, symbolising the importance of trusting in God during times of trial.
Helene Wong, another contributing artist, drew inspiration from French sculptor Auguste Rodin for her work. Wong’s painted sculpture depicts a seated bronze figure deep in thought, holding a Bible with a human hand instead of a metallic one.
“The human touch shows that the Word of God brings life,” she explained, emphasising her belief that art is a powerful medium for conveying Christian messages. Wong often incorporates spiritual symbols into her work to inspire deeper reflection.
Other notable contributions to the exhibition came from artists, Alix Lai and Franky Choi, of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission. Their collective efforts have turned the hospital’s space into a sanctuary of hope and peace for the Christmas season.
The exhibition will remain at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital until early January.
The Ecumenical Art Committee hopes to extend the event to other hospitals, continuing to share the light of Christ and the unity of Christian love with those in need.
