"One of the reasons the group has become so well known is due to the age of its members and the fact that we not only create new works, but spend time researching calligraphy," explains Huang Dun (黃惇), one of the groups founding members and professor at the Nanjing Arts Institute (南京藝術學院).
Although based in Suzhou, the society boasts a nationwide membership. Which, according to Huang, makes it one of the most unique groups in China and ensures that exhibitions by the group are highly individual affairs.
"Though very subtle, there are big differences between calligraphy from China's northern and southern regions," said Huang. "Whereas Beijing-based ones are inclined to adhere to uniform guidelines and produce very traditional-looking works, those in the south use a more free-flowing style and are slightly more radical."
This exhibition is the second time the society has been invited to display its works in Taiwan. The first time was over 10 years ago when a handful of works were exhibited at the Taipei International Arts Center (台北國藝中心).
While the exhibition includes works by all of the society's members, Huang was unable to bring many of the groups' larger and more eye-catching works. "I couldn't get them on the airplane," Huang said.
When not putting brush to paper, members of the group are active participants in the International Lanting Research Forums (蘭亭序國際學術研討會).
The series of forums began in 1995 and is now held annually in cities throughout the region. Here scholars, historians and calligraphers from around the world hotly debate Wang's work and compare both traditional and contemporary calligraphic methods and concepts. The long-term plan of the forums is to ensure that calligraphy, while developing to suit modern audiences, doesn't stray too far from its historical roots.
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