But according to Fu, while these works do take calligraphy to extremes, neither of them breaks any of the calligraphic rules adhered to by the traditionalists. The mediums might not be traditional -- Fo was created using plaster molded into the form of rose petals and Two Nations Two Systems with plastic topped pins -- but the characters are recognizable and the works both follow lines of traditional presentation.
Of course, not all works created from mediums other than ink can be called calligraphy. Hsu will be the first to admit that it will be some time before the traditionalists will allow that a piece he created in 1994 using a long piece of red cotton spread across a field constitutes calligraphy.
While the traditionalists and modernists will, no doubt, continue to disagree on calligraphic matters, the future of calligraphy looks set to be both colorful and distinctive as both sides push the ancient art to its limits and beyond.
Art Notes:
What: 25th anniversary exhibition of the Ink Tide Society (
Where: Ho Chuang-shih Calligraphy Society (
When: Until June 24
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