Ming Chan

Pou Zhue

Kay Kang

Toru Sugita

Select any artist above to view their works

Calligraphy is one of the most highly developed and distinguished aspects of Asian culture. More than a character based written language, it is a sophisticated means of communicating ideas and knowledge. Although rooted in tradition (see sidebar), its principles and unique brush strokes have influenced numerous contemporary artists. This exhibit begins with an examination of traditional Chinese calligraphy and ink based paintings on rice paper. It then proceeds to contemporary works by Korean born artist Kay Kang, who is influenced by nature and feminism, and Japanese born artist Toru Sugita, who explores the notions of time and motion in his paintings.

Educated in Hong Kong, Ming Chan is a traditional calligrapher of high esteem. His works attest to the strength, simplicity and beauty of his line. The single character works featured in this exhibit emphasize the importance of the negative space around the character as much as the character itself.

China mainland artist Pou Zhue bases his brushwork and subject matter on traditional ink paintings, yet also incorporates new and innovative painterly techniques. Through the use of bold colors and textures (all done with ink) these works present traditional Chinese paintings in a contemporary context.

Reflecting on her experience of immigrating to the United States, Korean born artist Kay Kang makes extensive use of calligraphic characters and gestures. Her works express an evolution, through years of development, assimilating the American experience with her Korean upbringing. As a result of this process, we see how calligraphy can communicate universal messages, as in her meditations on nature. Paradoxically, we also witness how language can function as a barrier (Just as most Westerners cannot read calligraphy, Ms. Kang experienced difficulty with the English language.) Simultaneously revealing and transcending language barriers is one of the artist's leitmotifs.

Initially presenting strong graphic and angular qualities, Japanese born artist Toru Sugita leaves traces of his calligraphic experience in his decidedly contemporary works. Yet more than an aesthete, he seeks to impart strong notions of time, motion and change. As such, his works reveal a greater human value, elucidating how time changes our life. The street scenes represented in this exhibit are from rural Japan, and show how modernization is affecting small towns. His definitive and lucid brushwork take the aesthetics of calligraphy beyond symbology.

Exhibition sponsored by Thompson Hospitality & Compass Group

Traditional calligraphic practice

Traditional calligraphy arose in ancient China, where pictograms were gradually abstracted into characters. Each character symbolizes a specific meaning, with approximately 4000 characters in use today. Originally playing a role in the dissemination of Buddhist philosophy, calligraphy enacted a broader meaning, in the sense of communicating ideas and knowledge. It became not only a means of writing language, but also a multi-dimensional and sophisticated way to express oneself. Although originating in China, the practice of calligraphy made its way to Japan, Korea and many other Asian cultures.

Calligraphy is regarded as a strict discipline, demanding a moment of concentration. It is often said that in this moment one is confronting oneself.