Zhang Guang Hui: Thus Have I heard
Kenderdine Art Gallery • Saskatoon • Oct 2017
Thus Have I Heard, is also known as “Such is what I've heard from Buddha”, or “This is what I have heard”. Usually, it is the first sentence of the Buddhist sutras. The "I" refers to the Venerable Ananda, a disciple of the Buddha.…… Ananda’s opening line is always “Thus have I heard”, which indicates what follows it is the actual words of the Buddha.
Thus have I heard: “Such is what I (Ananda) have heard.”
For every disciple of the sutras, the “I” refers to oneself.
……
For Mr. Zhang Guang Hui however, “Art” is an integral part of life for every living being. Through the art of printmaking, Mr. Zhang Guang Hui transforms everything he experiences around the world, everything he “heard” into visual language; and bit by bit, narrates to all of us.
- Xiao Han
2017, Saskatoon
Artist Biography
Zhang Guanghui, Born in Wuhan in 1961. Graduated from Printmaking Department, Hubei Institute of Fine Arts in 1984. Completed post-graduate studies from Printmaking Department, China Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1989. Dean & Professor of Printmaking Department, Hubei Institute of Fine Arts. Chair of Hubei Artist Association in Printmaking Profession. Committee of Chinese Printmaking Artist Association.
Curatorial Concept
In China’s contemporary printmaking world, Zhang Guang Hui is no doubt a pioneer artist, and a highly esteemed guest of the University of Saskatchewan. This exhibition solidified Kyuubi Culture’s prestige in the consolidation between the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts and the Department of Art and Art History of the University of Saskatchewan. In addition, it reinforced the unwavering bond between the two institutes. After this visit, Zhang Guang Hui was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Art and Art History at U of S.
The exhibition title Thus Have I Heard is a Buddhist phrase used by Zhang, which expresses the humble notion of nothing one says is original, but merely a rephrase of someone else’s knowledge. As an artist emerged during the 80s, Zhang’s Artwork permeates his authentic style, meanwhile strongly reminisce a decadent characteristic unique to his time. Kenderdine Gallery has a long linear layout, which accommodates Zhang’s scroll paintings seamlessly. The Lush verdant surrounding the gallery space further marvellously correlates with the theme of this exhibition.
Gallery Space
Kenderdine Art Gallery opened to the public in 1991 as a professionally staffed facility, assisted by a gift from Kenderdine’s daughter, May Beamish. The gallery’s stated purpose was to support and create opportunities for curatorial engagement with the university art collection and exhibit significant regional, national and international works. Curatorial projects continue to be developed from the collection. In 2005, the gallery completed a significant expansion, adding 4,000 square feet of exhibition space in the Peter Mackinnon Administration Building. The additional space now houses the College Art Galleries 1 and 2, expanded collection storage in an art vault equipped with humidity and temperature controls, dedicated work/study areas and staff administrative offices.
