Camy Tam
A Chinese calligraphy exhibition titled “Year of Saint Joseph” (聖若瑟年) by local artist Choi Chun Heng (蔡傳興) is being held at the Cardinal Newman Performing Arts and Cultural Centre (CCCN) in Calçada da Vitória.
The exhibition is co-organised by the Macau Diocesan Association of Performance Arts and Culture (ADAPCM) and the CCCN as part of a string of activities for the Year of Saint Joseph (December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021).
According to an article provided by the association, the event displays more than 30 exhibits. Being a devoted Catholic, Choi used the art form of calligraphy to highlight Saint Joseph’s characteristics such as loyalty, obedience, humility and perseverance. Based on one of the chapters of Chinese philosopher Laozi’s (老子) “Tao-Te-Ching” ( 道德經”The Way of Virtue”), according to which “the kindest person is like water” (上善若水), a dialogue between biblical teachings and traditional Chinese philosophy could be developed.
Choi is a well-known local Chinese calligrapher who is also engaged in painting, music and Chinese quyi (曲藝 – a traditional Chinese oral performing art). He is the president of Tai Fung Tong Art House in Macau (澳門大瘋堂藝舍).
Choi has been keenly interested in Chinese culture since his childhood, especially in exploring calligraphy. His passion led him to persevere in self-learning and practising Chinese calligraphy.
According to the article, Choi believes that calligraphy is closely linked with knowledge of the Chinese language and philosophy.
The article underlines that Choi is fully aware of his mission to promote and teach the greatness of Chinese calligraphy, and to promote Chinese traditional culture and its philosophy through the process of teaching. He was the champion of the 6th Macau Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition (Calligraphy Division) in 1989. He has held solo exhibitions in Macau, Hong Kong, the mainland, Taiwan, Europe and the US. He is also teaching Chinese calligraphy courses at several primary schools, the University of Macau (UM) and other entities.
The article points out that Choi believes that it is rare to evangelise through calligraphy in Macau. Calligraphy has been a major channel of communication in Chinese culture.
Choi believes that the exhibition is a milestone in evangelisation through calligraphy, according to the article.
CCCN Director Agnes Wong Kai Yiu said at last month’s opening ceremony of the exhibition that the association aims to examine the significant characteristics of Saint Joseph in the view of human nature, instead of the angle of the Catholic Church. Therefore, the exhibition intends to express Saint Joseph’s virtuous character through calligraphy. The association hopes that visitors to the exhibition can experience the life of Saint Joseph in the process of contemplation and Catholics will be able to have a spiritual connection with the life of Saint Joseph, while for non-Catholics the exhibition may open room for imagination and a new experience to comprehend the valuable words and deeds of Jesus’ earthly father, according to the article.
The exhibition runs until June 20 at the exhibition room of Cardinal Newman Performing Arts and Cultural Centre (CCCN) at 55 Calçada da Vitória. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Mondays and public holidays). Admission is free.
The association has organised family workshops on two Saturdays (June 5 and June 12) led by Ms. Rainbow, and a lecture by the vicar general of the Macau Catholic Diocese, Fr. Pedro Chong Chi Kin, on June 13. Both the workshops and lecture are conducted in Cantonese. For registration and enquiries, call 2870-3076.
As part of the government’s COVID-19 epidemic prevention measures, all visitors entering the venue have to wear a facemask, have their temperature checked and present a digital health code.
Photos: Camy Tam
