(Hong Kong, 10 June 2021) Weaving Lives – Zen Art Exhibition by Changlin Fashi 2021 will be presented by The D. H. Chen Foundation and co-organised by The Mills, from now till 4 July at The Mills, one of Hong Kong’s most popular cultural landmarks.

Our lives are like a woven fabric. The warp represents the length; and the weft, the breadth. To accept or reject the resulting fabric is a choice that we can all make for ourselves. Changlin Fashi, a renowned photographer named Alain Yip before stepping onto monastic path, echoes this theme in his unique exhibition of Zen photography and calligraphy.

The single strand of fabric, woven from a variety of materials, forms a continuous axis linking the irregularly spaced art works in the exhibition. Through this rich visual and spatial experience, viewers are guided towards an awareness of the central tenet of Dharma and Zen art – all living things are impermanent and changeable, and nothing is perfect or imperfect.

This unique exhibition is presented by The D. H. Chen Foundation, one of the longest -standing family philanthropic organizations in Hong Kong founded in 1970 by Dr. Chen Din-hwa. Apart from founding the Nan Fung Group, Dr. Chen is also an ardent philanthropist and a devout Buddhist. His philosophy “Care for others as well as you would care for yourself” continues to drive the Foundation to work towards two visions: to build a compassionate society and to promote compassion-based values. With progressive management approach and the collaboration of talented people and organisations sharing the same vision, the Foundation strives to make a positive impact on the society through its philanthropic programs and initiatives. The Centre for Heritage, Arts & Textile (CHAT) is one of the most vivid examples.

CHAT was established to invite visitors and communities to experience the spirit of the innovative legacy of Hong Kong’s textile industry and engage in new dialogues and inspirational journeys that interweave contemporary art, design and heritage.

Karen Cheung, Trustee and Chief Strategist of The D. H. Chen Foundation said, “The Foundation wishes to broaden the breadth of lives of our community by continuously bringing them more resources and opportunities. I am always inspired by the wisdom of Changlin Fashi as he always tell stories about life with simple yet creative interpretations. I hope everyone who visits the exhibition will be inspired and enjoy his art works as much as I do.”

Changlin Fashi has also invited renowned actress, Ms Karena Lam to share her life with art, creativity and Zen practices in a talk on 13 June. A team of tour guides, trained by Changlin Fashi and experienced in mindful practice, will introduce the exhibition works and the benefits of mindful practice to visitors. Visitors will be able to experience simple mindful practice through the tour and at the “Pause and Breathe Zone”, which is especially set up for visitors to take a private moment to connect with their inner peace through breathing practice.

Practice makes perfect. The Mills has worked with a variety of Art groups and organisations to offer a range of workshops and programmes for the visitors to engage in mindful practices. For details, please refer to appendix 1.

Details of Weaving Lives – Zen Art Exhibition by Changlin Fashi 2021
Date: Now till 4 July 2021
Time: 10am- 7pm
Venue: The Hall, The Mills ( 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan)
Website: https://www.themills.com.hk/event/weaving-lives-zen-art-exhibition/