A few days ago, Wang Yaohui, a young teacher from Heilongjiang Radio and TV University (Heilongjiang RTVU), had her works “Harmony” and “In Peace” exhibited at Heilongjiang CPPCC’s Painting and Calligraphy Show of Modern Lettering Art Works “Chinese Dream • Great Auspiciousness”. Chairman Du Yuxin of Heilongjiang CPPCC attended the opening ceremony.
Nearly 100 pieces of work on show were done by natives of Heilongjiang. Their distinct theme displaying the patriotism of “Chinese Dream • Great Auspiciousness” is a gift to celebrate the 65th anniversary of new China.
The work In Peace (Chinese character “he”) measuring 1000px×40cm is engraved in basswood. Green, its keynote, is like the rising hope of people’s yearning for a wonderful life. The major part is the big Chinese seal character “he”. With the deformed nature of modern lettering, both intaglio and rilievo are used to highlight the main part and to distinguish levels of hierarchy. The rest of the work is done with the symbolic technique of bamboo slips inscribed with light running hand characters to make the theme stand out. Thus good wishes are extended by peace and harmony for auspiciousness in work, kindness among people, longevity and wealth for families. The work in general impresses people with the feelings of auspiciousness and harmony.
The work Harmony (Chinese characters “he xie”) measuring 1000px×40cm is engraved in basswood. With the changes and recombination of the strokes of the two Chinese seal characters “he xie”, the unique design is indicated with simple and unsophisticated colours. The large size relievo, graduated in colour, is used to highlight the theme of harmony and unity, which is very refreshing.
Wang Yaohui has been keen on calligraphy since childhood. She has copied several calligraphy copybooks, such as Zhang Menglong Stone Tablet, Shi Chen Stone Tablet, Ritual Vessels Stone Tablet and Confucius Teaching Stone Tablet. During the course of calligraphy writing and lettering, she has experienced the “herein” state of art. That is, to experience the natural flow of brush and ink and to sense the reason of balance in all things in the black and white world, while dismissing the way of strokes and art during the course of writing and lettering. Wang Yaohui has learned lettering from Vice Chairman Wang Kaixia of Heilongjiang Calligraphers Association. She has not only learned the excellent lettering skills of the great master but has also been convinced by the master’s cultural accomplishment in dealing with people and things.
Both Chinese lettering and calligraphy are the national essence of arts. Heilongjiang, as an early developer of lettering, has covered a history of more than 30 years in the art and has carried out extensive international lettering exchanges with Japan and South Korea. It has been hailed as a prominent lettering province. Wooden plates are the major material for modern lettering. With the techniques of engraving, chiseling, deforming and hollowing, a unique wooden mechanism is formed. In addition, there are numerous ways of dealing with colours, and the arts of superimposed effect and rich colours have a strong visual impact on the admirers.
By Jin Dan