Gao Fenghan: Complete Collection of Chinese Calligraphers

Author: Cao Jian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Since the birth of Chinese characters, calligraphy has existed in China. Humans have always created the world according to the principles of beauty. Ancient oracle bone inscriptions and bronze inscriptions, with their unique material conditions and brushwork structures, left behind an unparalleled beauty for later generations. Later followers' pursuit of calligraphic beauty became conscious, infusing it with artistic elements that predecessors had not. However, this does not always mean continuous transcendence, nor is it necessarily comprehensive. Due to the inherent characteristics of calligraphy art, evaluations of calligraphy have often relied on overly abstract and uncertain terms. This can even be said to be related to the ambiguity in Chinese linguistic habits, but it is also inseparable from the abstract nature of Chinese calligraphy. Additionally, traditional calligraphy history tends to focus on master-disciple relationships when discussing specific schools or masters. While discussing master-disciple relationships is necessary, it sometimes becomes overly simplistic and falls into linear thinking patterns, which can inadvertently constrain creative consciousness. In terms of its practical significance, this approach may limit creative awareness. We should strive to study artists and their works from multiple perspectives, doing better than the ancients in this regard. We should view the activities of a specific calligrapher as a manifestation of both social essence and the essence of calligraphy. Contemporary calligraphy has entered a historically unprecedented situation. On one hand, material conditions have changed the writing conditions upon which calligraphy depends. On the other hand, calligraphy has flourished within a limited scope and stubbornly survived. Our stance undoubtedly should be that of a proponent of calligraphic prosperity. In the face of challenges in engaging with the times and exploring the future, contemporary calligraphy seeks inspiration from theoretical and historical research. This inevitably gives calligraphy history a contemporary nature. It does not involve arbitrary of history but rather summarizes patterns from the past to explore new life and vitality.