Placing his artworks within the context of traditional Chinese philosophy and Christian spirituality, the “Art for God” Artworks and Spiritual Reflections Exhibition (Macao) by Fr. Joseph Tham, L.C. features the traditional Chinese theme of harmony between heaven, earth and humanity in Chinese calligraphy, brush painting and seal carving, revealing the glory and mysteries of God through arts.

Organized by the Macao Catholic Culture Association and co-organized by the Regina Apostolorum Foundation, Hong Kong, Limited, this internationally exhibited “Art for God” Artworks and Spiritual Reflections Exhibition (Macao) by Fr. Joseph Tham, L.C. will take place in Macao from September 22 to October 2, 2023 at Rua Formosa No. 5, G/F. Through Fr. Joseph’s artworks and spiritual insights, it hopes to inspire the visitors to appreciate Chinese art from different perspectives that leads to a spiritual journey.

Date

September 22 to October 2, 2023
Time

10:00-18:00 Daily
Venue

Rua Formosa No. 5, G/F, Macao (Free Entrance)

Activities (Cantonese Only)

譚傑志神父書法工作坊

譚傑志神父將親自帶領此以「主在」為題的書法工作坊，並在分享他的藝術創作及靈思札記之餘，與參加者一同透過書法藝術，創作各自獨一無二的書法作品。希望啟發參加者以不同的視野欣賞中國藝術，來一次心靈之旅。

活動日期及時間(1)：2023年9月23日（星期六）早上11時至12時30分

活動日期及時間(2)：2023年9月24日（星期日）早上11時至12時30分

活動地點：澳門天主教文化協會，澳門美麗街2B地下

參加費用：每位澳門幣380元正*（包括材料，需報名）

*參加費用扣除成本後，將撥捐澳門天主教文化協會及宗徒之后基金會（香港）有限公司。澳門天主教文化協會為澳門註冊的非牟利團體，依靠個人、企業和其他資助機構的慷慨支持來營運及資助該會的文化事業和使命。宗徒之后基金會（香港）有限公司為香港註冊的慈善機構，收益將用作該會之天主教持續教育及相關項目。

*活動需線上預約

週末導賞

由譚傑志神父親自帶領導賞及現場講解，希望透過分享他的藝術創作及靈思札記，啟發參加者以不同的視野欣賞中國藝術，來一次心靈之旅。

導賞日期： 2023年9月23日（星期六）及9月24日（星期日）

導賞時間：下午2時至2時30分

導賞地點：澳門美麗街5號地下

導賞時間：約30分鐘

*活動需線上預約，各場名額30名

週末導賞及即席揮毫

譚傑志神父將親自帶領導賞，並會即席揮毫及分享創作當中的藝術概念與靈修意義。

導賞日期： 2023年9月23日（星期六）及9月24日（星期日）

導賞時間：下午4時至5時

導賞地點：澳門美麗街5號地下

導賞時間：約60分鐘

*活動需線上預約，各場名額30名

譚傑志神父
Father Joseph Tham L.C.

Fr Joseph Tham, L.C. is a Catholic priest, medical doctor, professor in Bioethics at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome, as well as an artist of Chinese calligraphy, paintings and seals. Born in Hong Kong, Fr. Joseph started his artistic journey in Chinese arts at the age of 12 and had studied under the guidance of Professor Lau Tai Po and Professor Chung Ping Kong.

Fr Joseph has a medical degree from the University of Toronto and was a family physician in Canada before joining the Legionaries of Christ and was ordained a priest in 2004. He has several degrees in philosophy and theology and a doctorate in bioethics from the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome, where he served as the former Dean of the School of Bioethics. Today, Fr Joseph focuses on teaching, research and writing in Bioethics and is also a Fellow of the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights.

Despite his various responsibilities, Fr. Joseph continues with his Chinese creations, integrating traditional Chinese philosophy with Christian values, revealing the glory and mysteries of God through his artworks. His artworks have been exhibited internationally in Canada, USA, Mexico, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Past Exhibitions

2023 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, “Art for God” Exhibition

2022 Toronto, Canada, “Art for God” Exhibition

2021 Hong Kong, China, “Art for God” Exhibition

2021 Hong Kong, China, “Thy Kingdom Come” Art Exhibition

2020 Mexico City, Mexico, Chinese Art Solo Exhibition

2017 Toronto, Canada, Christian Arts Exhibition

2013 Huston, U.S.A., Chinese Art Solo Exhibition

1985-1993 Toronto, Canada, Ontario Chinese Art Society Joint Exhibition

1994 Toronto, Canada, Canadian Chinese Calligraphy Association Joint Exhibition

Highlights

Sorrentino valley at dawn

Year: 2013
Dimensions: 82.9 X 50.3 cm

Seals: ‘No Empty Talks’; ‘Tham’; ‘The Benevolent Takes Pleasure in the Mountains’

Calligraphy Inscription: Fairy mountains at Spring morning. Done by Kit Chee in the Autumn of Guisi (2013), Rome.

Reflections:
This scene is taken from the Sorrentino Valley in the south of Italy, where I have been on summer vacation. It is a scene with the island of Capri in the background. In a silent sunset, the beautiful isle looks surreal in the pastel-colored sky. Time seemed to have stood still. All the noise and worries of this world seemed to fade away. It
brought in me sentiments of nostalgia; of going home. I realized that my true home is not of this world, but a serene and lovely abode where every tear will be wiped away.

African Flame flowers

Year: 2015
Dimensions: 35.1 X 63.2 cm

Seals: ‘Tham’; ‘Free and Restrained by None' 

Calligraphy Inscription: Red fragrance and heavy dew at dawn. Kit Chee.

Reflections:
I saw these flame flowers during my missionary trip as a medical student in Tanzania, East Africa. There was a lot of suffering of the people due to the poverty of many material goods. However, I have never witnessed such joyful attitudes toward life. The extravagance of these red flowers is a symbol of these struggles and joy. Indeed, joy often is a result of our efforts and determination to strive after our goals.

Three virtues

Year: 2022 
Dimensions: 50.5 X 144 cm

Seals: ‘Tham’; ‘Kit Chee’; ‘Never Forget your First Love; ‘It Is Such a Pleasure to Have Friends Coming from Afar’ 

Calligraphy Inscription: One bamboo, one orchid and one stone; it has joints, it has fragrance and it has bones. A gentleman in a room full of people, the breeze blows in the four seasons. Words of Zheng Banqiao. Done by Kit Chee in the Spring of Renyi (2022), Rome.

Reflections: The text of the calligraphy is taken
from the artist Zheng Banqiao who speaks about the changing of the seasons, weather and circumstances as part of the human experience, including the virtuous gentleman. He then asks about how these changes can affect our emotional state, our peace and happiness. The key phrase is that any season can be a good time. However, the difficulties with all of us are that there are so many things that bother and worry us. How can we attain peace? These works all point to the need for spirituality and virtues as the way to true peace.

Dragon among red clouds

Year: 2022  
Dimensions: 69.5 X 137.5 cm

Seals: ‘Tham’; ‘Kit Chee’; ‘Heaven reserves the right of the people’; ‘People hopes for wisdom, the wise hopes holiness, the holy hopes to be heavenly’ 

Calligraphy Inscription: 
The south branch bursts through in the overnight cold, splendid like the red clouds and not worried about being too exuberant. How many times has the serpent bend and stay hidden the deep chasm? The seaside people look forward to see the flying dragon. Done by Kit Chee in the Spring of Renyi (2022).

Reflections:
The plum blossoms have a rich history and culture in China. They have been admired by poets, artists, philosophers, and emperors for centuries. They bloom in late winter or early spring, when most other flowers are still dormant. This shows their courage and perseverance in facing the harsh conditions of nature. They also represent the hope and renewal of life after a long period of darkness and coldness. Their vibrant red color reflects the joy and happiness that the Chinese culture values The plum blossoms are often considered the national flower of China because of this. In this painting, the trunk resembles a flying dragon, which is a mythical creature of fortune and power in Chinese mythology. In contrast to these earthly symbols of joy and resilience, the ultimate happiness is the flight towards our heavenly home.

Love and do what you will

Year: 2022
Dimensions : 135 X 49.5 cm

Text:
Confucius said: “Do whatever you want without violating the principles.” St. Augustine said, “Love and do what you will.” (“Dilige et quod vis fac.”)

Seals: ‘Tham’; ‘Kit Chee’; ‘Never Forget your First Love’; ‘Faith, Hope, Love’; ‘Self-restraint and
Propriety’; ‘Virtues never Stand Alone’ 

Calligraphy Inscription:
This frequently misinterpreted quote from Church Father Augustine agrees with the Analects. This is not indulgence but wisdom of holiness. It is a stage where one can achieve true freedom and spiritual detachment. Written by Fr. Tham Kit Chee, inspired in the Autumn of Renyi (2022), Rome.

Inspiration source:
"The Master said: At fifteen, I want to learn. At thirty, I stand upright. At forty, I don't get confused. At fifty, I know my destiny. At sixty, my ears are compliant. At seventy, I follow my heart's desire and don't exceed the rules." Confucius, The Analects, On Politics.
“Once, therefore, a brief precept is prescribed for you: Love and do what you will: whether you keep silent, keep silent with love; whether you cry, cry with love; whether you buy, you buy with love; whether you spare, you spare with love: let the root be within love, only good can exist from that root." St. Augustine of Hippo, In epistolam Ioannis ad Parthos, Tractatus VII, 8.

Human life is like dust and dew. The way of heaven is eternal

Year: 2022  

(Human life is like dust and dew) Dimensions: 137.5 X 33.5 cm
(The way of heaven is eternal)
Dimensions: 138 X 33 cm  

Text of Calligraphy: Human life is like dust and dew. The way of heaven is eternal.  

Seals:  ‘Tham’; ‘AΩ’; ‘Enjoyment in Untroubled Ease’; ‘ Self-understanding’; ‘Heaven reserves the right of the people’; ‘Utmost Bitterness Refines the Best of Men’

Calligraphy Inscription: Kit Chee

Reflections: This is a poem written in the period of the Three Kingdoms. The strong contrast of "human life and the way of heaven", describes the brevity of life and the fate of the country. In the way of heaven and the eternal universe, the regimes are all overcome, not to mention a mere poor man, who is just like dust and dew, disappearing in an instant. 

The Beatitudes

Year: 2022
Dimensions: 150 X 84 cm  

Text of Calligraphy:  
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Seals:
‘Tham’; ‘Kit Chee’; ‘Seal of a Legionary of Christ’; ‘Blessed are the Poor in Spirit’; ‘Full of Grace’; ‘An Unfavorable Situation is a Blessing’

Calligraphy Inscription:
Wu Jingxiong's Translation of the Beatitudes. Written by Fr. Tham Kit Chee in the Spring of Renyi (2022), Rome.

Reflections:
The desires of all people are the same everywhere: happiness evidenced by material goods, fame and prosperity. We can best see these desires expressed in the greetings and wishes at Chinese New Year. Nonetheless, there are so many unhappy people frustrated with their lives in spite of their many possessions, success and accomplishments. The human heart is restless; always seeking for more. Perhaps it is time to ask ourselves what is true happiness and how do we satisfy those deepest yearnings. St. Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

Charity Sale

The paintings, calligraphy and seals have all been kindly donated by Fr. Joseph Tham L.C. All proceeds from the charity sale will go to the Macao Catholic Culture Association and Regina Apostolorum Foundation, Hong Kong, Limited.

The Macao Catholic Culture Association is a registered non-profit organization in Macao which relies on the generous support of individuals, corporations and other funding bodies to maintain its operation and cultural mission.

The Regina Apostolorum Foundation, Hong Kong, Limited is a registered charity organization in Hong Kong (IRD 2254/N88/SEC). Its mission is to promote, encourage and support the advancement of education, the relief of poverty through education, and the advancement of Judeo-Christian values in society and other exclusively charitable purposes.

Exhibition Catalogue

“Art for God” Opening Ceremony

“Art for God” BOOK RELEASE