Selangor Art Talk Explores Timeless Beauty of Maijishan Grottoes

On 14 June 2026, SGM Selangor organised the “Impression of Maijishan Grottoes” art talk at its culture centre. Held in conjunction with “The Beauty of Harmony: Klang and Seremban Two Cities Art Exhibition,” the event featured local veteran artist Goh Boon Cheng as the keynote speaker, drawing approximately 30 art enthusiasts.

Utilising rich visual and textual materials, Mr Goh introduced the audience to the Maijishan Grottoes, located in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, China, which boast a history spanning over 1,600 years. As one of the Four Great Grottoes of China, the Maijishan Grottoes are renowned for their exquisite clay sculptures, earning them the reputation of the “Oriental Sculpture Art Exhibition Hall.” Besides explaining the artistic features, historical background and cultural value of the grottoes, Mr Goh also shared his personal insights and travel experiences from his visit to the site.

He highlighted the famous statue known as the “Eastern Smile” in Cave 44 and led the attendees in an impromptu sketching session. Participants interpreted the “Eastern Smile” through their unique artistic perspectives, experiencing the spirit of compassion and tolerance embedded within grotto art through the creative process.

The event concluded successfully in a warm and joyful atmosphere, allowing participants to not only appreciate the beauty of grotto art but also find profound inspiration in its humanistic spirit.

Reported by Chee Yee Von, photographed by Beh Huai Jian