On October 12, 2023, the “Thumbs up” Calligraphy Donation Exhibition (University of Macau Station) of Xu Guixun was grandly opened at the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC), the Cultural Building (E34), University of Macau (UM). The activity aims to promote classic calligraphy in the campus, foster the study of the art of calligraphy, and strengthen the self-confidence and self-improvement of Chinese history and culture. Guests who attended the exhibition included Chui Sai Cheong, member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, Vice President of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR and President of the Macao Chamber of Commerce; Ho Teng Iat, Member of the Standing Committee of the All-China Women’s Federation, Permanent President of Macau Women’s Federation and the President of the Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai Residents Association. Li Weihua; the first level Inspector of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee of Jiangxu; Wong Kei, Director of Rector’s Office, UM; Ma Chung-lai, Honorary Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong-Jiangsu Community Organisations and Standing Committee of the CPPCC of Jiangsu (Convener); Luo Yang, Special Research Fellow of China Central Institute for Culture and History, Director of the China Calligraphers Association, and a renowned calligrapher, and so on.

At the opening ceremony, Xu Jie, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH), UM, delivered a speech for the exhibition of donated works. He said that calligraphy, as an important part of Chinese culture and a national treasure, is not only an art, but also a way to express emotions and thoughts. Xu Guixun is an outstanding calligrapher, who not only has a breathtaking mastery of the art, but has also brought the excellent traditional Chinese culture and art to the international stage. We are grateful to Xu Guixun for bringing his works of calligraphy full of profound connotation and artistic inspiration, injecting new cultural strength into the campus.

Luo Yang, Special Research Fellow of China Central Institute for Culture and History, Director of the China Calligraphers Association, and a renowned calligrapher said that calligraphy is the cultural carrier that can present Chinese characteristics, Chinese expression and Chinese spirit best, and it is impossible to discuss Chinese art without understanding calligraphy and the inspiration of calligraphic art. Mr. Xu is a distinguished calligrapher. In addition to his superb writing skills, his selfless personality, open-mindedness, and the air of calm and amicability are admired. I believe that we can cultivate our minds when appreciating his works, and understand the charm of the Chinese culture, so that the excellent traditional Chinese culture will take root and blossom in UM.

Xu Guixun, said that it’s his pleasure to be able to exhibit his works in the CCHC, UM, and that this exhibition, with the upcoming inauguration of the Suao Pavilion, was a good opportunity for him to practice and promote cultural self-confidence and self-improvement, as well as to pass on his work, and to build a culture of Chinese calligraphy and art. “I am grateful to the great era and Macao for giving me the space and opportunity to display calligraphy, and I will continue to make unremitting efforts to live up to the times.” said he.

At the end of the opening ceremony, Zhu Shoutong, Director of the CCHC, UM, presented Mr. Xu Guisun with a certificate of donation to express his heartfelt gratitude and respect, and the officiating guests cut the ribbons for the ceremony under the witness of Wong Kei and Xu Guisun. The exhibition consists of forty-two pieces of calligraphy works created by Xu Guisun to UM. The works include both the calligraphy works of big Chinese characters, which are visually stunning, as well as small ones, which are exquisite in every stroke, fully reflecting his deep academic background and extraordinary mastery of brush and ink, as well as the profound cultural connotation of Chinese Calligraphy. These works will be exhibited at the Exhibition Hall of CCHC for a period of twenty days from October 12th to October 31st.