In this forum, Professor Eva Man, The Moderator, and the three Panelists will examine the notions of traditional brush-and-ink and contemporary vitality in Chinese Calligraphy in an art studio filled with rich artistic ambience.

In this forum, Professor Eva Man, The Moderator, and the three Panelists will examine the notions of traditional brush-and-ink and contemporary vitality in Chinese Calligraphy in an art studio filled with rich artistic ambience.

This forum is an extended activity of ‘Brushstrokes / Vitality—Brush-and-Ink, Materiality and Multimodality in Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Engraving: Chak-kwong Daniel Lau Solo Exhibition’, showing at The Hui Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. For exhibition details, please see here.

As a calligrapher and art historian, Chak-kwong Daniel Lau wrote his scholarly essay “The Refreshing Paradox of Embracing Innovation for a Return to Antiquity: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Integration of Art Historical Research with Creative Art Practice of Chinese Calligraphy,” in which he emphasizes the close relationship between the practice of calligraphy and the research of Chinese calligraphy history. On the other hand, Lau’s calligraphy witnesses a breakthrough in traditional Chinese art. Building upon the solid foundation of calligraphy, Lau’s calligraphy sculptures transcend the conventional tools of brush, ink, paper, silk, and format, pushing the boundaries of Chinese character strokes and calligraphy from the confines of two-dimensional space into a dynamic three-dimensional realm. The new concept, combined with the artist's thoughts and emotions, makes his calligraphy’s expressiveness and modes of expressions more vivid and vibrant. Last but not least, Lau’s large-scale calligraphy performances/ calligraphy-cum-performance artworks fully demonstrate his innovative intermedia works! These performances not only expand the horizons of traditional calligraphic expression but also incorporate elements such as body movements, strength, and rhythm evoked by wielding a giant brush, as well as interactive improvisation with the audience.

Prof Harold MOK, Emeritus Professor, Department of Fine Arts, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Dr Sarah NG, Former Curator, University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong

Dr Chak-kwong Daniel LAU, Associate Professor, Academy of Visual Arts, School of Creative Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University

Prof Eva MAN, Chair Professor of Humanities, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Metropolitan University