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The first Hengshan Calligraphy Biennial will be held from January 20, 2023, to April 24, 2023, at the Hengshan Calligraphy Art Center (HCAC). The exhibition’s title, “Era of Principle and No Principle Interwoven—Calligraphy as a Visual Form” focuses on the influence and development of calligraphy in contemporary art to invigorate the ensuing development of contemporary calligraphy.

The HCAC is committed to provoking calligraphy art and its networks from a multicultural perspective in Asian and global. Professor Wu Chao-Jen, Assistant Professor of the Department of Fine Arts, Tunghai University, and Mr. Chen I-Tso, HCAC supervisor, jointly curate this exhibition. They expand the possibilities and imaginations for calligraphy by finding the diverse aspects of the art through the Exhibition, delving into calligraphy work presented , and encompassing in-depth discussions and analysis from different angles.

The Exhibition has invited 42 calligraphers and artists from various countries to present multifaceted contemporary calligraphy art around the world to explore the future of the art. This includes how Western abstract art and calligraphy stimulate and learn from one another, as well as the contemplation of Taiwan's post-war calligraphy masters regarding the evolution of calligraphy. Young calligraphers from Europe, Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan and South Korea have also been invited to contribute their creative inspirations for the contemporary world, demonstrating the thriving calligraphy art. Based on a context for conversations on art history, the Exhibition hopes to open the imagination to the future of calligraphy through the diverse array of artworks on display.

Overview
The Hengshan Calligraphy Biennial is to explore the following aspects: (1) In response to the “Principle” in the exhibition title, “Reinterpretation of the Classics” will be the first topic of the exhibition to lay out the context of contemporary calligraphy in Taiwan. (2) As for “No Principle,” the Exhibition displays the works from domestic and foreign artists, somewhere “in-between” calligraphy and painting to probe for the possibility of calligraphy in a visual and painting-like direction. (3) For years, many non-traditional works of calligraphy in Taiwan have been labeled as “Experimentation” , especially the works displayed in privately-organized "Chinese Calligraphy Biennial: Tradition and Experimentation." But what does "Experimental" even mean, however? Can "avant-garde" be considered as a possibility for discussion in contemporary calligraphy? Curatorship can answer not only questions but also pose ones. This Exhibition aims to focus on the contemporary thinking of calligraphy. It also hopes to generate new momentum and meaning for future calligraphy creation.

Artists (in alphabetical order)
André Kneib, Chang Shun-hsian, Chang Tien-chien, Chen Danqing, Fu Xiaodong, Fu Ying Ying, Fung Ming Chip, Hans Hartung, He Huaishuo, Henry Michaux, Hsu Yu-jen, Huang I-ming, Inoue Yuichi, Kato Taikei, Kawao Tomoko, Lee Chun-yi, Lee Mao-cheng, Lee Yih-hong, Li Mingchang, Lin Chun-chen, Liu Kuo-sung, Liu Yi, Mami, Nangaku Koun, Pan Hsin-hua, Park Jinwoo, Pu Tze, Shi Jin-hua, Teng Jun-hao, Tu San-hsin, Wang Gongyi, Wang Yu-cyuan, Wesley Tongson, Wu Chi-tsung, Xiao Yi-fan, Xiao-yu, Xu Jing, Xu Jiong, Yamamoto Hisashi, Yang Ping, Yang Shih-chih, Yu Tung-sheng.

Collateral Events
For the first Hengshan Calligraphy Biennial, local art galleries in Taoyuan are invited to hold collateral calligraphy events. The participants include the Department of Cultural Affairs, Taoyuan City, Zhongli Arts Hall, Eleven Art Gallery, Living Lab Gallery, and 2 GATHER. These exhibitions promote diverse perspectives of calligraphy in Taoyuan.

■ Group Exhibition Held by Mastery Calligraphy and Chinese Painting Society

Mar. 15 to Apr. 2, 2023
Department of Cultural Affairs, Taoyuan City (No. 21, Xianfu Road, Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City)

■ Sentiments in Ink: Yizhuxuan Caligraphy Art Academy Group Exhibition

Mar. 7 to 27, 2023
Zhongli Art Hall (No. 16, Zhongmei Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City)

■ “Poetry and Rhythm–Between Us” Feature Calligraphy Exhibition

Apr. 7 to May 31, 2023
Eleven Art Gallery (2F, Building A, No.5, Jia'an W. Road, Longtan District, Taoyuan City)

■ Written Image: Kuan-Ti Chi Calligraphy Art Exhibition

Feb. 19 to Apr. 5, 2023
Living Lab Gallery (No.8, Lane 157, Cihui 3rd Street, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City)

■ That Person. That Night. That Sea.

Jan. 30 to Mar. 30, 2023
2 GATHER (No. 181, Qiaxi Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City)