On Jan 1, 2017, the first Christian painting and calligraphy exhibition was officially launched in Bengbu Jade Museum in Anhui. The exhibition was hosted by Anhui Zhendao Art & Watch Fellowship. They contacted artists from various places and presented the spirit of Christian artists in painting and calligraphy by combining the Bible with traditional Chinese culture.
The works from the exhibition were all from 12 Christian artists, including oil painting, traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and more. There were more than 30 pieces. Brother Xu Yihong, the person in charge of the fellowship and a calligrapher, did a 66-meter calligraphy scroll representing the books in the Bible. The Old Testament is 39 meters and the New Testament is 27 meters.
Also included was a collection of brush written books in small regular script (Chinese script style) containing the 66 books of the Bible. It is the only one in the Country and was the highlight of the exhibition. This calligraphy work was created by Teacher Zhang, 81, who was originally from Bengbu, Anhui . The scroll is almost one million characters and it took 18 months to complete.
It was learned that Zhendao Art & Watch Fellowship is a cultural ministry group formed by Christian artists. Right now there are 15 Christian artists in fields including calligraphy, painting, sculpture, music, etc. The main ministries at the moment are weekly Bible study, art exchanges with artists from other places, hosting and organizing believers to attend the exhibitions by various churches.
This exhibition was from Jan 1 to 3. After the first exhibition, the Christian painting and calligraphy exhibition will continue in other cities. Xu also revealed that such exhibitions will also be hosted in Hefei on Easter's Day this year. This culture and art exhibition is the preparation for the first painting and calligraphy exhibition.
Translated by: Grace Hubl
