Private Preview:
Saturday, Sept 7, 2024, 2 – 6pm (By Invitation Only)
Kindly RSVP by calling +65 6339 0678 or email enquiry@ipreciation.com
Exhibition Opens to Public:
Sept 9 – 28, 2024
10am – 7pm (Mon – Fri)
11am – 6pm (Sat)
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Venue:
50 Cuscaden Road, HPL House #01-01, Singapore 249724
Tel: + 65 6339 0678 Fax: + 65 6438 2080
www.ipreciation.com
iPRECIATION is delighted to announce the latest exhibition by one of the most highly regarded calligraphers and contemporary ink artists Wang Dongling, titled “ The Joy of Being信可樂也,” scheduled from 7th to 28th Sept 2024.
About the Exhibition:
Celebrated internationally for pioneering the “Chaos Script” and infusing ancient calligraphy with contemporary vitality, Wang Dongling stands at a unique intersection of tradition and avant-garde exploration. His contributions have revolutionized the art form, bridging the gap between historical reverence and modern experimentation, distinguished by his roots in traditional calligraphy while also underscoring his contemporary and inventive approach, embracing its evolution rather than defying them, as a new art form, reflecting both the deep-seated essence of traditional cursive script and a progressive vision that breaks away from its rigidity. This exploration of calligraphy is not merely a reinterpretation of tradition but a profound contribution. Honouring the over two millennia history of calligraphy, he recreates his unique form of art.
The Chinese title of this exhibition, “信可樂也” (xin ke le ye), translates to “a moment of complete delight or joy” in English. This choice of title is profoundly intentional. It encapsulates the emotional landscape conveyed by the works and offers insight into Wang’s state of mind at this significant juncture in his journey. “Joy” is a deliberate choice, highlighting the contrast between fleeting happiness and enduring inner fulfilment. It is a reflection of the soul’s resilience and serenity amidst life’s tumultuous rhythms.
In this exhibition, Wang Dongling’s new series includes pieces featuring lotus ponds of Hangzhou, serving as a poignant backdrop to his “Chaos Script.” The serene imagery of lotus ponds creates a powerful dialogue between chaos and order; emerging from the muddy waters untainted symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and triumph over adversity. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the artist’s journey and a reminder to recognize and appreciate the purpose of each season in our lives, transforming adversity into something beautiful and meaningful.
These works highlight the act of painting as a dynamic expression of the relationship between art and the body. Wang’s process is deeply meditative, characterized by an expressive and rhythmic quality, and rooted in the tradition of Chinese poetry and calligraphy. By placing poetry at the heart of Chinese culture, his art connects the past to the present, evolving in tandem with the ever-changing world we live in today.
About the Artist:
Wang Dongling（b.1945, Jiangsu, China）is one of the most highly regarded contemporary ink artists. He is best known for his public performances involving large format “wild cursive” script, a Chinese calligraphic style characterized by its erratic and dynamic strokes. His works are often deeply rooted in the ancient philosophies of Buddhism and Daoism, as well as Chinese poetry. Wang graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the Nanjing Normal University (Nanjing, China) in 1966 and a Master’s Degree in Fine Art from the Calligraphy Department of Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (Hangzhou, China) in 1981.
Wang’s works have been prominently exhibited at institutions and several international venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City, USA), Guggenheim Museum (New York City, USA), National Art Museum of China (Beijing, China), the Palace Museum (Beijing, China) and Asia Society Museum (New York City, USA). They can also be found amongst others in the collections of the British Museum (London, UK), Hong Kong Museum of Art (Hong Kong), the Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, USA), the Zhejiang Museum of Fine Art, (Hangzhou, China), the Yale University Art Gallery (New Haven, USA), Harvard University (Cambridge, USA), and the University of California, Berkley (Berkley, USA).
