In a world where cultural exchanges are increasingly frequent, Chinese traditional culture and arts are captivating global attention with their unique charm. Recently, renowned calligrapher and educator, the pioneer of contemporary Chinese hard pen calligraphy, and distinguished professor at the OUC, Pang Zhonghua, was invited to revisit the United Nations in New York, USA.
He once again brought the treasure of Chinese hard pen calligraphy to the international stage, sparking widespread attention and discussion.
The article from The China Press is specially reprinted here for the benefit and enjoyment of our readers.
During his visit, Pang Zhonghua met with Kang Nan, president of the UNSRC Chinese Book Club, and Zhang Yuxi, vice president, among others. He shared the current state of development of Chinese hard pen calligraphy education and presented them with textbooks he authored, including the mandatory course textbook "Introduction to Hard Pen Calligraphy" for the undergraduate calligraphy programme at the OUC, as well as the "United Nations Calligraphy Textbook" published that year. The renowned Chinese-language newspaper in the United States, The China Press, published a special article detailing the meeting. Additionally, the article highlighted Pang Zhonghua's role as a distinguished professor at the OUC, discussing the development of the calligraphy programme at the university's School of Art, and his pioneering efforts to include hard pen calligraphy in the university curriculum.
Kang Nan warmly welcomed Pang Zhonghua's visit and emphasized that calligraphy art is a significant component of Chinese culture. Emphasising and inheriting Chinese calligraphy contributes to promoting cultural exchange and dissemination.
Pang Zhonghua is acclaimed as the foremost figure in Chinese hard pen calligraphy and has been tirelessly dedicated to his craft. Since 1980, he has authored over 430 books, including collections on calligraphy theory, poetry, prose, and calligraphic works, among others. Committed to advancing hard pen calligraphy education, Pang has been actively involved in teaching as a distinguished professor at the OUC and as the chief editor and lead instructor for the calligraphy major. He has pioneered the introduction of hard pen calligraphy courses, filling a gap in university education in this field, and his unique "fun teaching method" has become widely popular. In his teaching at the OUC, Pang has been tirelessly exploring a blend of online and offline teaching methods to cultivate future generations, achieving significant educational outcomes.
As a key promoter and representative figure of Chinese hard pen calligraphy, Pang Zhonghua's revisit to the United Nations is not only an artistic showcase but also a cultural exchange and integration. It demonstrates to the world the unique charm and artistic value of Chinese hard pen calligraphy, promoting exchanges and understanding between different cultures, and allowing more international friends to understand and appreciate the art of Chinese calligraphy. The UNSRC Chinese Book Club will continue to commit to promoting Chinese culture on the international stage, working with Pang Zhonghua to further promote Chinese calligraphy and culture globally. Together, they are committed to elevating Chinese hard pen calligraphy, this distinctive art form, to new heights on the global stage, ensuring it not only shines with renewed brilliance but also resonates with the vibrant energy of the new era.
By the School of Art, OUC