From the Way of Writing to the Weight of Writing

Exhibition

Exhibition Overview

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From the Way of Writing to the Weight of Writing
Ai-lian Liu, curator
June 30, 2007–November 18, 2007
Asia Gallery, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

In East Asian languages, the word for “calligraphy” literally means “way of writing.” Calligraphy in Chinese culture is more than just beautiful writing; to the literary elites, calligraphy is not only a form of self-expression, it also embodies a person’s moral integrity. Even for the general populace, written words serve as emblems of learning and enlightenment, and therefore are objects of reverence. The calligraphic objects in the exhibition span many centuries and include works by contemporary artists. This display of calligraphy is intended to provide impetus for exploring the cultural weight of Chinese writing in East Asian societies. Beginning with calligraphic works on paper - the most direct form of writing as art, coming from the hands of the artists - the exhibition also aims to introduce several lesser known formats, including seal carving, book printing, Buddhist texts and ink rubbings. Furthermore, works by contemporary artists are included to attest to the vitality and relevance of calligraphy in the current art scene.

Exhibition images

Works of art

Jifei (1616–1671), An Accomplished Spirit
1600s, Edo period (1600–1868)
Totoki Baigai (1749–1804), Poem
late 1700s, Edo period (1600–1868)
Zhai Yunsheng (1776–1860), Couplet in Clerical Script
early-mid 1800s, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Zhou Weiping (late 1800s–early 1900s), Bird on Bamboo Branch
1922, Republic of China (1911–1949)
Chen Weishu (1847–1891), Bamboo, Chrysanthemum, and Bird
1891, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Zhang Mingqi (1875–1945), fan
fan
1922, Republic of China (1911–1949)
Shang Yanliu (1874–1963), Colophon on Fan for Painting
1942, Republic of China (1911–1949)
Chen Xian (active 1634–1654); Jifei (1616–1671), Guanyin and Attendant
mid-late 1600s, Edo period (1600–1868)
Yi Fujiu (1698–after 1747), Landscape after Huang Gongwang and Dong Qichang
early 1700s, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Yi Fujiu (1698–after 1747); Li Bai (701–762), untitled
early 1700s, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Wu Changshuo (1844–1927), Calligraphy Couplet in Stone Drum Style
1927, Republic of China (1911–1949)
Zhai Yunsheng (1776–1860), Couplet in Clerical Script
early-mid 1800s, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)

Events

September 6, 2007
Talk
12:15–1:45PM
Gallery 318
October 3, 2007
Workshop
3:00–4:00PM
Gallery 317 Central Court

Resources

Audio