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As the name suggests, ink art is artwork that is drawn and painted using ink. Ink artists usually use dip pens or reservoir pens for their paintings. It is an art form with a rich history, and while it has gone through so many changes and does not fit a specific mould, it does hold on to a tinge of traditional influence.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70467 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-27-at-11.58.53-2-e1679889917568.jpeg" alt="ink art" width="500" height="706" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-27-at-11.58.53-2-e1679889917568.jpeg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-27-at-11.58.53-2-e1679889917568-200x282.jpeg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" />
Turning your attention to its history and evolution, ink art is easily one of the oldest art forms, dating back to the Tang Dynasty [618 &#8211; 907AD] and the term was first coined by Chinese musician Wang Wei.
Centuries later, precisely in the 20th century, the rise of Western art made it essential for Chinese art to be preserved. It also sparked the Eastern vs. Western art conversations and other movements.
One such was the Hong Kong New Ink Painting Movement which was started by Lui Shou-Kwan in the 1960s. The movement saw ways to develop ink art by borrowing from its history and combining it with the things that artists learned from nature. Perfectly depicting this is Lui’s series of paintings called the Zen paintings which represented Chinese philosophy while also bringing some focus to Western ideologies.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70466 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-27-at-11.58.53-1-e1679889956335.jpeg" alt="ink art" width="768" height="343" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-27-at-11.58.53-1-e1679889956335.jpeg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-27-at-11.58.53-1-e1679889956335-200x89.jpeg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-27-at-11.58.53-1-e1679889956335-600x268.jpeg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />
Another prominent figure in the evolution of ink art is Taiwan’s Liu Guosong. He proposed that artists should give importance to traditional concepts and exude it in their work rather than being completely influenced by Western ones. He did believe that there should be a certain amount of western influence, and this was Liu’s way of modernising traditional Chinese ink art.
In his efforts to develop ink art, Liu introduced concepts such as ‘The Life of a Revolutionary Pen’.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70468 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-27-at-11.58.53-e1679889997170.jpeg" alt="ink art" width="500" height="777" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-27-at-11.58.53-e1679889997170.jpeg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WhatsApp-Image-2023-03-27-at-11.58.53-e1679889997170-200x311.jpeg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" />
Then, following the Cultural Revolution in Mainland China, Western art started entering the country and began strongly impacting the country’s art scene. This started the &#8217;85-New Movement that focused on bringing prominence to ink art. During this time, Liu Guosong’s artwork was widely displayed in galleries.
After going through centuries of evolution, now in the 21st century, ink art has broken away from many confinements and has taken many forms including sculptors, digital art, videos, and more. Some contemporary ink artists to note are Nakatani Suisen, Zhang Xiaoli, Nan Qi, Lee Chu-Yi, and Tseng Chien-Ying.&nbsp;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/art-central-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Best of Art Central 2023 – The Most Iconic Artwork on Display</a>

Everything you should know about ink art – its history and evolution

Chinese calligraphy is one of the four treasures of ancient Chinese scholars. Though it is not as widely practiced today as it was in the past, it is a sophisticated form of longhand writing that surprisingly continues to enjoy keen adherents today. This treasured art form is reputed to enhance people’s mental fortitude and learning ability. Although computer keyboards have taken over most of modern-day communications, this traditional form of Chinese longhand writing remains valuable and useful to its practitioners.<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-6.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-52746" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-6.png" alt="chinese calligraphy brush stroke gafencu magazine (6)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-6.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-6-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-6-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-6-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-6-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-6-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-6-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>It serves as a link to traditional Chinese culture and heritage
Calligraphy serves as an excellent manner to stay connected to one&#8217;s Chinese heritage and to gain insights to the evolution of Chinese scriptures over centuries of visual representation of the world. It serves as a manner for appreciating one&#8217;s intellectual and artistic roots.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-by-Zhuge-Liang.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-52742" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-by-Zhuge-Liang.png" alt="chinese calligraphy brush stroke gafencu magazine by Zhuge Liang" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-by-Zhuge-Liang.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-by-Zhuge-Liang-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-by-Zhuge-Liang-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-by-Zhuge-Liang-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-by-Zhuge-Liang-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-by-Zhuge-Liang-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-by-Zhuge-Liang-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
It is a form of meditation
Chinese calligraphy requires meticulous technique and patience that are useful in developing a sharp focus among those who practise it. The skills developed while practising this form of long-handed writing require strict control of a brush which&nbsp; serves as a meditative outlet for practitioners. This art form also helps develop a deeper connection between the mind and body.&nbsp; 
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-4.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-52745" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-4.png" alt="chinese calligraphy brush stroke gafencu magazine (4)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-4.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-4-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-4-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-4-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-4-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-4-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-4-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
It teaches discipline
Repeated practice over time and trained eyes eventually result in symmetrical, aesthetically-pleasing characters.&nbsp; After learning calligraphy’s foundation and with muscle memory, the practitioner’s mind will achieve its highest performance level.&nbsp; The rhythmic nature of brush writing lends itself to a full state of immersion.&nbsp;
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-3.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-52744" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-3.png" alt="chinese calligraphy brush stroke gafencu magazine (3)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-3.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-3-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-3-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-3-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-3-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-3-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-3-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
It is an artistic outlet with a philosophical depth
Every aspect of the Chinese brush strokes, from the shape and size, to the type of hair on the brush and density of the ink, all play a part in distinguishing the final outcome of a Chinese calligraphy artwork. Each character is a unique symbol of a word. The philosophy of mastering Chinese calligraphy can be explained with the Yi (intentional) and Wuyi (unintentional) movements in art creation. It is an art form that teaches rules and control, but it also allows the artist&#8217;s heart to guide practitioners.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-2.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-52743" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-2.png" alt="chinese calligraphy brush stroke gafencu magazine (2)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-2.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-2-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-2-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-2-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-2-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-2-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/chinese-calligraphy-brush-stroke-gafencu-magazine-2-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
There are still a few esteemed Chinese calligraphy teachers in the city who offer classes and workshops to willing students. 
Here are a few places to take up Chinese calligraphy:
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.cawaharts.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cathy Ho, Cawah Arts Gallery</a>
<a href="https://chinese-calligraphy.hk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chinese Calligraphy HK</a>
<a href="https://www.karentong-calligraphy.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw5Kv7BRBSEiwAXGDElbMxbUqdbMWXjyx4zB1LPEwpDsgiRFk93GnDj4-Z13OknRYLkEfwQxoC1ksQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karen Tong Calligraphy</a>
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chinese calligraphy brush stroke gafencu magazine

An introduction to Chinese Calligraphy

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Hong Kong is fighting an uphill battle to preserve one of its traditional art forms, Cantonese opera.
Shrill music fills the Lyric Theatre in Wan Chai on a Monday night as theatre-goers settle in for an evening of singing, acrobatics and acting. Moments earlier, the small gathering of elderly women and a sprinkling of men had turned the Lyric Theatre’s foyer into a hive of activity. Excited chatter filled the air as groups caught up with old friends, sipped on wine and perused the programme for that evening’s show, Prime Minister of Six States/Excerpts from the Paichangxi Repertoires of Cantonese Opera.
However, by the time the first ear-splitting musical note signalled the start of the opera, the crowd had barely managed to fill half of the 1,181-seat theatre.
In many ways, this scene is representative of the current state of Cantonese opera, a performance art propped up by a passionate but relatively small – and ageing – audience. How much longer, many wonder, can it survive?
On average, at least four Cantonese operas are reportedly staged in Hong Kong every day. UNESCO gave the art form “intangible cultural heritage” status in 2009, indicating that it should be protected and preserved.
In the early days, Cantonese opera was performed in temples or in bamboo sheds used as makeshift theatres. At the start of British rule in Hong Kong, street shows of Cantonese operas were typically held in these bamboo sheds, but the number of Cantonese operas held in the structures had dwindled from 158 in 1970 to 34 by 2010.
To get to the roots of Cantonese opera you need to go back even further to the reign of Emperor Jiajing (1522-1566) of the Ming Dynasty. The art form is a mixture of Yiyang and Kun tunes of the Ming Dynasty; the Xiqin and Han opera of the early Qing Dynasty; regional operas from the provinces of Jiangsu, Henan, Anhui, Hunan, Hebei and Guangxi; and local Guangdong music.
Another recent production, The White Silk Gown (new edition), was held at the new wing of Ko Shan Theatre in Hung Hom, and featured Yu Jiulin as the 20-year-old scholar Xu Jizu. Like many performers, Jiulin discovered Cantonese opera at a young age.
“I was born in Kunshan, where Kunqu originated,” he says, referring to the oldest form of Chinese opera. “Kunqu instructors held an audition at school and they picked me. I was still young at that time – only 16 years old.” His case is atypical. Tales of Chinese legend told through song, dance and elaborate costumes just don’t seem to resonate with audiences under 30 anymore. It’s one of the main reasons why people like Dr Dorothy Ng Fung-ping are pushing to expose Cantonese opera to children in an attempt to spark an interest early on.
In 2007, the University of Hong Kong started a programme to incorporate Cantonese opera into primary and secondary school curriculums. The project was spearheaded by Ng Fung-ping, who at the time was an assistant professor at the Faculty of Education.
Ng Fung-ping and her team trained teachers on how to integrate Cantonese opera into the curriculum, developed teaching materials and introduced students to texts and performances.
To date, more than 50 schools have incorporated the programme. The spread of Cantonese opera to new audiences will soon stretch beyond the classroom with the construction of the West Kowloon Cultural District. Situated on 40 hectares of reclaimed land on the harbour front, the arts hub will feature the Xiqu Centre, one of three major performing arts venues planned for the cultural district.
But even with the construction of world-class venues to host Cantonese operas, if younger generations only watch the performances and don’t actively participate in them, there’s still a real danger that opera could shrink from public view.
“My concern is how Hong Kong educates and develops top-class artists, because the top practitioners of Cantonese opera are getting old and some have passed on,” says Ng Fung-ping. “Even if we have the audience and the venues, if we do not have the right mechanisms to produce top-level performers, then we have a problem.”
Convincing children and young adults to step up and start performing could be tricky, though. Performers undergo specialist training to make sure they can do the unique gestures and singing styles that characterise Cantonese opera.
For many performers, this requires years of study in the mainland and Hong Kong, and some even take a degree course – the first of its kind in the world – at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. Once performers have completed their training, the hard work is just beginning, as some operas can take years to go from planning phases to the stage.
For instance, it took three years of preparation to put on stage The White Silk Gown. Indeed, the movements of every cast member have to be carefully plotted and perfected, culminating in a performance that has been years in the making. When the opera draws to a close the audience slowly files out and once again the foyer is filled with chatter before people head home to share their experience with family members who might not turn away from the TV to listen.
Text: Andrew Scott

Tag: traditional art

Everything you should know about ink art – its history and evolution

An introduction to Chinese Calligraphy

Curtain Call: Preserving Cantonese opera is an uphill task

Tag: traditional art

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Everything you should know about ink art – its history and evolution

An introduction to Chinese Calligraphy

Curtain Call: Preserving Cantonese opera is an uphill task