Appreciation of Fine Calligraphy Works by Modern Calligraphers -- Ye Yuzhong's Grass-Style Poetry and Correspondence

Author: Jia Dejiang, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: In the history of calligraphy development in the 20th century, painter calligraphy was an important component. According to incomplete statistics, the number of painters who were also skilled in calligraphy exceeded half of the total number of painters. Taking the top ten Chinese painters who had a significant influence on the Chinese art scene, such as Wu Changshuo, Qi Baishi, Huang Binhong, Lin Fengmian, Pan Tianshou, Li Keran, Xu Beihong, Liu Haishu, Zhang Daqian, and Fu Baoshi, only Lin Fengmian was not skilled in calligraphy, and the ratio was nine to one. Moreover, the nine masters who were proficient in calligraphy were all highly accomplished calligraphers. It is no exaggeration to say that if painter calligraphy were removed from the 20th-century calligraphy hall of fame, the entire history of calligraphy would lose its color and would have to be rewritten. Therefore, the calligraphy of contemporary famous painters remains a bright and eye-catching scene, a phenomenon that is highly worth attention and holds special research value.
Ye Yuzhong, a renowned contemporary painter, is a versatile artist with achievements in various fields such as comic strips, illustrations, fine brush and heavy colors, ink wash painting, line drawing, poetry, literature, criticism, and calligraphy. His calligraphy, particularly in cursive script, is characterized by the use of the central brushstroke, with a balanced grip and release, broad and unrestrained, and effortless pressure and release, creating lines that are rich in variation and depth. He has not merely imitated the steles and scripts of past generations but has focused on comprehension. In subtle terms, the natural beauty of Ye Yuzhong’s running script masterpieces is "soundless music, formless appearance." His brushwork may lean to the side or stand straight, may be firm or soft, may flow or linger, all allowing for natural expression. As a result, the strokes and dots appear as if they were born of nature, a harmonious unity of vitality, exquisitely beautiful.