Contemporary Calligraphy Masterpieces Appreciation -- Calligraphy Works of Chen Lianhe

Author: Jia Dejiang, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Calligraphy art, among all art forms, is undoubtedly long-standing and deeply rooted. Over three thousand years of development, its brushwork, style, structure, and composition have all evolved with the times, reflecting the spirit of each era. As Shi Tao once said: [The brushwork should follow the times.] However, contemporary calligraphers have lost the leisurely elegance of their ancient predecessors, mostly immersed in the changes of the era, burdened by work, life, and societal concerns. If a calligrapher can achieve virtue, establish words, create calligraphy, and make a mark in the world under such heavy burdens, then he is sure to forge a new path with unique artistic charm. Chen Lianhe is such a calligrapher who takes his role as a person and an artist seriously, following the path of the times to achieve success. Chen Lianhe is a military calligrapher, renowned in the contemporary calligraphy world for his mastery of Cangcao (archaic Clerical Script). With over three decades in the military, he has served as a film projectionist, cultural worker, company commander, and director of the political department. Even with an extremely busy schedule in the military, he seized every opportunity to study calligraphy and practice, persistently dedicating himself to the research of calligraphy art. He initially learned Tang Dynasty regular script and the works of the "Two Wangs" (Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi), later specializing in Cangcao. Cangcao, rooted in Han Dynasty Clerical Script and Seal Script, was deeply influenced by modern calligraphy masters such as Yu Youren and Wang Ruchang, and also received guidance from contemporary calligraphers like Qi Gong and Liu Yi. He pursues an artistic style that is steady, ancient, simple, and concise, with a natural and flowing composition.