TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A collection of 26 innovative works by renowned calligrapher Chang Bing-huang (張炳煌) is on display until Feb. 4 at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport.
An e-pen experience zone at the airport's D5 boarding gate allows travelers to try their hand at calligraphy. Another exhibition in the boarding corridor showcases 30 works by renowned domestic artists, all created using e-pens, per CNA.
Calligraphy transcends language barriers, Chang said. Although tourists may not understand the meaning of the characters, they can still admire the beauty of the calligraphy, the dynamic interplay of lines, and the energy conveyed in each stroke.
The exhibition also features three of Chang's ink paintings, showcasing different brushwork techniques. Given the shared cultural heritage in Chinese characters, individuals from Japan and Korea may find a particularly profound connection with these works, Chang believes.
Chang remarked that Taiwan's advanced digital technology provides a unique opportunity to modernize calligraphy education. By utilizing AI algorithms, learning calligraphy can be made more accessible, allowing students to better understand the diverse forms and styles of characters.
Chinese calligraphy dates back to China's Shang and Zhou dynasties, beginning around 1600 BC, according to yeeverest. These sacred practices were reserved exclusively for the nobility during the period.
People inscribed their hopes and wishes on oracle bones, seeking divine guidance. This practice laid the foundation for Chinese characters.
Later dynasties sought to unify their empires and spread their cultures, leading to a focus on standardized writing and calligraphy. Writing materials evolved from bones and bronze to bamboo, wood, and silk.
Cai Lun's (蔡倫) invention of paper marked a significant turning point in the history of writing. While paper continues to be widely used, the digital age has ushered in a new era of reading and writing.
From the earliest oracle bone inscriptions to the elegant strokes of modern calligraphy, this art form has been an integral part of Chinese history and culture. Masterpieces of calligraphy offer a window into the soul of the artist, reflecting their unique personality, beliefs, and cultural heritage.
