Wang Dongling (b. 1945)
Ouyang Xiu “Breeze Rippling over the Deep Lotus Pool”, Entangled Script
2016
Ink on paper
H. 152 x W. 83.5 cm
Hanart TZ Gallery, Hong Kong

Hanart TZ Gallery is proud to present works by internationally acclaimed calligraphic artist Wang Dongling. Wang has altered the typical expectation of calligraphy being clear and tidy. The highlight at Ink Asia 2023 is an entangled script from Ouyang Xiu's "Breeze Rippling over the Deep Lotus Pool".

Wang is stylishly diverse in presenting calligraphic art. He re-innovated Chinese calligraphical art while preserving its accomplished tradition. He is capable of creating very orthodox calligraphy, but he has also developed his own calligraphic art style known as luanshu, meaning "messy calligraphy."

Through his extensive artistic experience, Wang has established the calligraphic style known as luanshu. In this style, he deliberately overlaps various-sized characters and arranges irregular spacing, resulting in pieces that are challenging to read. Luanshu leaves viewers with an impression of arbitrariness, yet it is not merely messy writing. Instead, it derives from Wang's own calligraphic philosophy, developed over decades of immersion in the field.

Interestingly, every calligraphic character in Wang's works strictly adheres to the structural principles of the caoshu (cursive script). Beneath the surface of apparent messiness, Wang's calligraphy maintains a hidden order. On the other hand, he abstractly created his calligraphic works, turning them indistinguishable from painting and calligraphy. Thus, the audience can appreciate them from multifaceted perspectives, considering both calligraphy and abstract art.

Wang’s “Entangled Script on Coloured Screen” in acrylic paint on plexiglass will also be presented, which was always exhibited in prominent art museums. The combination of luanshu calligraphy on a coloured screen, illuminated by carefully arranged lighting in a public space, offers the audience an enveloping experience to the audience. Within this environment, surrounded by luanshu characters, viewers can truly sense the interaction of lines, texture, rhythm, and motion that define the nature of calligraphic art. Expanding the pieces to the public space further exaggerates their engagement with the artwork.