SOKA Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) is hosting a calligraphy exhibition called “In Comme-moration of the 100th Anniversary of China’s 1911 Revolution — An Exhibition of Zhou Junjie and Foo Yong Kong’s Calligraphic Works”.
The exhibition that pays tribute to one of the most important events in China’s contemporary history is jointly organised by SGM, Malaysia Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Association, International Cultural Exchange Centre of Henan Province and Yinbing Hotel of The Yellow River Henan.
The exhibition by Zhou and Dr Foo, who are renowned calligraphers from China and Malaysia respectively, commemorates the spirit and wisdom of China’s 1911 Revolution through the unique expression of calligraphic art.
Visual guide: Su Qiang (second from right) launching the calligraphy exhibition’s catalogue. With him are (from right) Foo, Zhou, and Soka Gakkai Malaysia secretary general Koh Sia Feai. Consular counsellor Su Qiang, who was representing China’s ambassador to Malaysia Chai Xi, launched the event that was also attended by calligraphers and artists from Malaysia, Singapore and China.
China’s 1911 Revolution, also known as the Xinhai Revolution, was best remembered for turning China into a republic and ended the feudal system that ruled China for over 2,000 years.
In addition to commemorating the revolution’s centenary, SGM secretary-general Koh Sia Feai hoped the exhibition would be able to propagate the ideals, conviction and spirit for humankind of the revolution’s key leader Sun Yat-Sen.
“The exhibition is significant because it promotes cultural exchange between two countries, which is equally important as political and economic exchange,” he said.
“In addition, cultural and arts exchange are able to transcend differences and link the hearts and minds of people.”
Zhou, a scholar from central China, has a rich cultural background and is committed to the art of calligraphy.
He has initiated efforts in building both the creative and theoretical aspects of calligraphic art to new heights.
Zhou is presently the International Cultural Exchange Centre of Henan Province vice-general director and Calligraphy Association of Henan Province honorary chairman.
Foo believes that an artist should interpret creativity with a contemporary perspective.
The Malaysia Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Association president’s creative calligraphy can be divided into three styles: Neo-Classic, contemporary little verse scripts, and a combination of ink and rich colours.
“While calligraphy and Chinese ink painting are related, it is important to learn calligraphy first to master the brush strokes and learn how to handle the brush,” said Foo.
“Calligraphy is easy to learn but difficult to master. You must delve deep and cultivate your knowledge and appreciation of Chinese culture, philosophy and arts as you need to be both skilled and well learned.”
He added that the association actively promoted calligraphy as a part of traditional Chinese culture.
The common element that binds the 100 exhibited calligraphic works by Zhou and Foo is the combination of traditional skills with bold and unrestrained spirit, richness, vitality and personal styles.
They are also contemporary artists who epitomise the sense of life with present times, hence are able to present to viewers the wisdom, culture, history, traditions and aesthetics of calligraphy in modern times.
“Of the different major styles in Chinese calligraphy, the exhibition features mainly those from the ancient Zuan and Li styles. Both are popular nowadays because of their artistic flair,” said Foo.
“Some of the exhibited pieces are reflective of Sun Yat-Sen’s literary and philosophical works.”
The exhibition will be held from now till Oct 30 at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, No. 243, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Foo will also be conducting a guided tour and live calligraphy demonstration (in Mandarin) at 3pm today and Oct 30.
No comments:
Post a Comment