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Titled Shuhari, The selected curatorial proposal in HCAC's 2025 open calls, draws inspiration from the philosophy of Sen no Rikyū (1522–1591), the revered Japanese tea master. Shuhari encapsulates three stages of mastery: Shu (守), preserving and honoring tradition; Ha (破), breaking away through innovation; and Ri (離), transcending form to achieve creative freedom. This path is not merely a progression of technical refinement but also an evolution of the artist’s spirit and mind.

Ro Boku (born Ohara Toshiki, 1953), a distinguished calligrapher and educator, has honed his artistic practice within the spirit of Shuhari. With decades of experience in calligraphy education, Ro Boku envisions calligraphy not just as an artistic discipline but as a way of life, a lifelong pursuit of emotional and intellectual expression. For him, calligraphy is far more than a display of technical prowess; it is a direct outpouring of the artist’s inner world, a channel for conveying profound emotions and ideas. Ro Boku has spent years exploring new modes of calligraphic expression with an experimental spirit, persistently pushing the boundaries of traditional calligraphy to forge a more resonating connection with contemporary audiences.

This exhibition offers not only a glimpse into Ro Boku’s profound insights into the art of calligraphy but also seeks to inspire viewers to reconsider and reimagine the act of writing itself. Calligraphy is not merely a vessel for cultural heritage; it is an art of life, an act that permeates daily existence like the air we breathe. Through writing, we reflect, we connect, and we build bridges of understanding and peace between one another.

Long fascinated by the origins of East Asian script, Ro Boku has sought to propel calligraphy into a new era. Nearly 30 works are exhibited, he transcends the traditional boundaries of the art form, forging a new visual language. His works reveal the many faces and infinite potential of calligraphy in contemporary society, a testament to a living art that continues to evolve and inspire.

Curator: Chang Teng-kai

Exhibition Artist: Ro Boku

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