New Zealand Chinese and Maori Women Art Exhibition
Sunday March 19 2017
In collaboration with Nga Wahine Atawhai o Matukutureia Maori Women’s Welfare league and Te Mahurehure Cultural Marae Society Inc
Professors Xinming and Zixuan were invited to display their works at the New Zealand Chinese and Maori Women Art Exhibition in March 2017.
The focus of the exhibition was to encourage collaboration between Chinese and Maori women, and to establish a platform for the appreciation of the respective cultures.
There were 98 artworks produced by these women including Maori paintings and weavings, Chinese paintings, calligraphy and stamp artwork. Members of Parliament attended the event as well as many art enthusiasts.
There was music, dance, and plenty of fun!
Professor Xinming’s painting and calligraphy titled More Than You Wish For- Baifu Painting (Hei Matau).
A Baifu Painting consists of one hundred different styles of the word “Fu” (fulfilment). It is an expression of optimism and hope, for a better future. A matau is the Maori name for fishhook. Extending into the hook are characters of the style of “Da Yu Ding”. This style of writing was originally cast on to bronze in the Western Zhou period (1122 – 255 B.C.). These characters exude a metallic strength worthy of supporting such an impressive pendant. The curvature of the last character effectively ‘finishes off’ the matau, lending a beautiful continuity between the two cultures.
The Art and Humanity Institute also gifted a precious piece of art by Professor Xinming in hopes of maintaining the friendship and generous spirit between Chinese and Maori women.
Many students and parents from The Art and Humanity Institute came to support our amazing teachers. It was a fun and valuable afternoon.
