Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition: Unity in Diversity (Manly Library)

Statement of the Exhibition

Theme: Unity in Diversity

Chinese calligraphy is more than an art of beautiful writing. It is a living expression of Chinese culture, history, philosophy and the human spirit. Each stroke carries meaning; each character connects language, thought and emotion. Yet the beauty of calligraphy lies not only in the individual character, but also in how many different strokes, forms and movements come together to create harmony.

This exhibition, "Unity in Diversity," celebrates the richness of cultural diversity and explores how diversity can become a foundation for social cohesion, mutual respect and harmony in Australian society.

Australia is a multicultural nation shaped by people from many cultures, languages, traditions and faiths. Alongside the enduring cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, generations of Australians including migrants have contributed to a society in which people of diverse backgrounds live, work, study and build communities together.

The exhibition advocates for a society in which cultural and racial diversity is not merely tolerated, but respected, valued and celebrated. It seeks to encourage meaningful connections between people of different backgrounds and to challenge prejudice, racism, stereotyping and social division. Social cohesion grows when people are able to participate equally, feel that they belong, and encounter one another with openness, dignity and understanding.

Chinese calligraphy offers a powerful metaphor for this vision. A single brushstroke has its own character, direction and beauty, but it becomes part of a greater composition. Different strokes do not need to become identical in order to create harmony. Likewise, people and communities do not need to abandon their cultural identities in order to belong to one Australian society.

The many forms of Chinese calligraphy—from ancient seal script to clerical, regular, running and cursive scripts—demonstrate that unity does not require uniformity. Their distinctive forms coexist within one artistic tradition. In the same way, Australia's cultural diversity can be understood as a source of strength, creativity and enrichment.

The works presented in this exhibition invite visitors to look beyond the written characters and discover universal values expressed through them—peace, friendship, compassion, justice, respect, cooperation and the oneness of humanity.

Through the universal language of art, the exhibition aims to create opportunities for people from different cultural and racial backgrounds to meet, appreciate one another's heritage and discover what we share. It is particularly intended to encourage dialogue between Chinese Australians and the wider Australian community, while welcoming people of every cultural background.

"Unity in Diversity" is therefore not simply an exhibition of Chinese calligraphy. It is an invitation to imagine and nurture an Australia where every culture can contribute, every person can belong, and differences can become bridges rather than barriers.

We may come from different cultures, speak different languages and carry different histories, yet we share one human identity and one common future.

May these works of ink and brush become bridges between cultures, generations and communities—helping to foster racial harmony, cultural understanding, social cohesion and a deeper sense of belonging for all Australians.

Different strokes. Different cultures. One community. One humanity.

Notes on the Authors and Sources

Bahá’í Writings — The quotations are drawn from the writings and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whose teachings emphasise the oneness of humanity, peace, justice, equality and the elimination of prejudices.

The Analects of Confucius — A collection of the teachings and sayings of Confucius (551–479 BCE), one of China's most influential philosophers and educators. Its teachings on benevolence, moral character, respect and harmony have deeply influenced Chinese civilisation.

The Book of Rites — Liji, a Confucian classic compiled by Dai Sheng in the Western Han Dynasty, c. 1st century BCE.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights — Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the Declaration affirms the inherent dignity and equal rights of every human being, regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender or other status.

Watch the Exhibition

Two short videos from the exhibition are included below.

The Calligraphy Works

1. Blessed is the Spot "Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place, and the city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and the meadow where mention of God hath been made and His praise glorified." — Bahá’u’lláh Size: 68 cm x 155 cm

2. The Earth is but One Country "The Earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." — Bahá’u’lláh Size: 45 cm x 130 cm

3. The Earth is but One Country (second piece) "The Earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." — Bahá’u’lláh Size: 64 cm x 141 cm

4. Unity in Diversity "Unity in Diversity" — Shoghi Effendi Size: 45 cm x 130 cm

5. Unity "So powerful is the light of unity, it will illuminate the entire planet." — Bahá’u’lláh Size: 68 cm x 183 cm

6. Unity (second piece) "So powerful is the light of unity, it will illuminate the entire planet." — Bahá’u’lláh Size: 68 cm x 173 cm

7. Flowers of Different Colors "The flowers of a garden, though differing in kind, color, form and shape … this diversity increaseth their charm, and addeth unto their beauty … when divers shades of thought, temperament and character, are brought together … the beauty and glory of human perfection will be revealed." — 'Abdu'l-Bahá Size: 45 cm x 130 cm

8. Rose of Love "In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love." — Bahá’u’lláh Size: 62 cm x 140 cm

9. Fruits of One Tree "Gather all people beneath the shadow of Thy bounty and cause them to unite in harmony, so that they may become as the rays of one sun, as the waves of one ocean, and as the fruit of one tree." — 'Abdu'l-Bahá Size: 68 cm x 153 cm

10. Perfect Soul "Every imperfect soul is self-centered and only thinketh of his own good; but as the scope of his thinking wideneth a little, he beginneth to concern himself with the welfare and well-being of his family. If his thinking still further wideneth, he will be concerned with the welfare of his fellow-citizens. If it wideneth yet further, he will be concerned with the glory of his country and his race. But when his thinking and his outlook reach the utmost degree of expansion and attain perfection, he will be concerned with the advancement of mankind. He will then be the well-wisher of all people and seek the welfare and prosperity of all nations. This is indicative of perfection." — 'Abdu'l-Bahá Size: 76.5 cm x 171 cm

11. The Purpose of Human Existence "…the purpose for which mortal men have, from utter nothingness, stepped into the realm of being, is that they may work for the betterment of the world and live together in concord and harmony." — Bahá’u’lláh Size: 67 cm x 153 cm

12. Man's Merit "Man's merit lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and riches. Take heed that your words be purged from idle fancies and worldly desires and your deeds be cleansed from craftiness and suspicion. Dissipate not the wealth of your precious lives in the pursuit of evil and corrupt affection, nor let your endeavors be spent in promoting your personal interest." — Bahá’u’lláh Size: 45 cm x 130 cm

13. The Supreme Achievement of Wealth "Wealth is praiseworthy in the highest degree, if it is acquired by an individual's own efforts and the grace of God, in commerce, agriculture, art and industry, and if it be expended for philanthropic purposes. Above all, if a judicious and resourceful individual should initiate measures which would universally enrich the masses of the people, there could be no undertaking greater than this, and it would rank in the sight of God as the supreme achievement, for such a benefactor would supply the needs and insure the comfort and well-being of a great multitude. Wealth is most commendable, provided the entire population is wealthy. If, however, a few have inordinate riches while the rest are impoverished, and no fruit or benefit accrues from that wealth, then it is only a liability to its possessor." — 'Abdu'l-Bahá Size: 76 cm x 170 cm

14. Home of Peace "My home is the home of peace. My home is the home of joy and delight. My home is the home of laughter and exultation. Whosoever enters through the portals of this home, must go out with gladsome heart. This is the home of light; whosoever enters here must become illumined." — 'Abdu'l-Bahá Size: 68 cm x 173 cm

15. Human Prosperity "The existence of human friendship and interdependence is due to the fact that mutual assistance and cooperation are essential principles for promoting human prosperity." — 'Abdu'l-Bahá Size: 155 cm x 68 cm

16. Oneness of Mankind Size: 125 cm x 50 cm

17. Community Cultural Life "(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits. (2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author." — Article 27, Universal Declaration of Human Rights Size: 145 cm x 45 cm

18. The Needs of the Age "Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and centre your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements." — Bahá’u’lláh Size: 68 cm x 150 cm

19. Harmony is Most Precious "Harmony is most precious." — The Analects Size: 90 cm x 40 cm

20. World Harmony Size: 90 cm x 40 cm