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This year’s Hengshan Calligraphy Biennale begins by reflecting on the contemporary tendency to view calligraphy mainly as a visual or formal art. Instead, it returns to the essence of calligraphy as an act of writing, and reexamines its many dimensions between daily life and artistic creation. By weaving together both “professional” and “non-professional” practices, the exhibition moves beyond technique- or style-based appreciation, inviting visitors to understand how calligraphy continues to grow, spread, and sustain its vitality across different contexts.

Through a dialogue between past and present, the exhibition features works ranging from Wang Duo of the Ming dynasty, to Edo-period Japanese monks Hakuin Ekaku, Ryōkan, and Sengai Gibon, and extending to contemporary calligraphers, literati, artists, thinkers, writers, designers, and social advocates. The works span many forms—from traditional hanging scrolls, handscrolls, letters, and poetry drafts, to cross-disciplinary collaborations such as modern dance and film posters, and even calligraphy used as a medium for public engagement—revealing the diverse possibilities of calligraphy today.

More than an exhibition, this Biennale is a cultural experiment. By placing professional and non-professional works, art and everyday writing, the classical and the contemporary side by side, it opens a space to reflect on the many possibilities of writing, and on calligraphy as a profound expression of being human.

Curator: Lin Chun-chen

Consultants: Gong Jow-Jiun, Tanigawa Masao, Ohara Toshiki

Artists by birth year

Wang Duo, Hakuin Ekaku, Sengai Gibon, Ryōkan, He Shaoji, Miwada Beizan, Iwaya Ichiroku, Tomioka Tessai, Kusakabe Meikaku, Yang Shoujing, Nakamura Fusetsu, Yu Youren, Kumagai Morikazu, Hsiung Shih-li, Hu Shih, Loa Ho, Peng Chun-shih, Suda Kokuta, Inoue Yuichi, Chou Meng-tieh, Yeh Shih-Chiang, Chen Kun-yi, Chou Yu, Li Min-yong, Qiu Zhenzhong, Chiang Hsun, Xiao-Yu, Tu Chung-kao, Li Yu-chou, Le Xinlong, Shu Kuo-chih, Paelabang Danapan, Ro Boku, Bai Qianshen, Tanigawa Masao, Liu Kai, Zeng Xiang, Pu Tze, Chen Yung Mo, Shih Chun-chi, Wada Hiroyuki, Li Ken-cheng, Xue Longchun, Ho Chia-hsing, Hu Po-chieh.

Collaborating Program with Qing Yuan Elementary School:
Cheng Wan-chien with all students of Class 3, Sixth Grade

Opening Performance: Lim Giong and Ho Chia-hsing

Parallel Exhibitions

This year’s Hengshan Calligraphy Biennale explores the many possibilities of calligraphy and its connections to local culture. In collaboration with several art spaces in Taoyuan—including Living Lab Gallery, A. HERITAGE, Yin Art Space, and 2 Gather—the Biennale presents a series of Parallel Exhibitions.
Through calligraphy, these shows aim to link everyday life with contemporary thought, cross-disciplinary dialogues, and international perspectives, highlighting Taoyuan’s unique artistic landscape.

• Asura in Dreams: Lu Wei Solo Exhibition

Nov. 8, 2025 to Feb. 7, 2026

A. HERITAGE

No. 57, Qingpu 9th St., Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City

• Thus It Is Written: The Calligraphy of Chen Hsiu-Min

Dec. 10, 2025 to Feb. 1, 2026

Yin Art Space

1F, No. 48, Daren Rd., Dayuan Dist., Taoyuan City

• Inspired by the Buddha: Creative Zen Calligraphy — A Solo Exhibition by Hsu Tzu-fan

Jan. 1 to 31, 2026

2 Gather

2F, No. 181, Qiaxi Rd., Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City

• From Written Traces to Painting: Chen, Tsai-chun

Feb. 3 to 28, 2026

2 Gather

2F, No. 181, Qiaxi Rd., Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City

• Gestures of Entanglement: Hu Chia

Mar. 2 to Apr. 19, 2026

Living Lab Gallery

No. 8, Ln. 157, Cihui 3rd St., Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City