The opening ceremony of “Literary Sublimity—Lian Shenq-yann Calligraphy Exhibition,” organized by National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall of Ministry of Culture, was held at Chungshan National Gallery today (Aug 27). The distinguished guests including former Senior Advisor to the President Chen Chin-jang, former Senior Advisor to the President Huang Kun-huei, Director Hsiao Tsung-huang of National Palace Museum, Prof. Chen Wei-teh of Mingdao University, former Director Kao Thun-yun of National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and Director Chang Mu-hsi of Chinese Calligraphy and Arts Foundation attended the ceremony.
Director-general Wang Lan-sheng said this is the third time for Chairman Lian to be invited to hold an exhibition at Chungshan National Gallery of National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. It is also an important exhibition before the closure of the hall next year. Chairman Lian’s calligraphy gives full play to the two characters, “Zhong (calmness)” and “He (harmony)” mentioned in the starting chapter of Zhongyong. From the scripts, the structures, to the artistry of the exhibited works, the artist’s gentleness and personality can be fully appreciated and manifested.
Director Hsiao Tsung-huang of National Palace Museum said the Chinese characters are very special in the world. Calligraphy is the ultimate expression of the Chinese characters that can be used not only in writing history and copying scripts but also in cultivating mind and skills. Chairman Lian’s calligraphy features moderation, and his characters look harmonious and profound. His works are not only the cultivation of mind but also the nourishment of morality. We expect more of Chairman Lian’s exhibitions in the future.
The artist, Lian Shenq-yann, said he has stuck to Mr. Tsao Chiu-pu’s teachings that “Calligraphy learning lies in studying and cultivating virtues.” He believes calligraphy starts with the cultivation of mind. One has to calm his mind by wielding the brush, understand the way of heaven and man by studying the literary and philosophical classics, and further harmonize emotion and reason to achieve the ideal of “truth, goodness, beauty, and holiness.” The calligraphy works of the exhibition are divided into the early, middle, and recent periods to explore his mental journey in the years of calligraphy learning. He will also keep passing on and promoting the art and culture of calligraphy in the future.
Lian Shenq-yann is the disciple of Mr. Tsao Chiu-pu, the famous modern Taiwanese calligrapher. He spends his life wandering in the world of calligraphy and takes the responsibility of promoting traditional calligraphy. Through the simple and mellow calligraphy style, he often expresses his feelings and ambitions in life in poetry and calligraphy. “Literary Sublimity—Lian Shenq-yann Calligraphy Exhibition” displays nearly hundred excellent works in different scripts, including hanging scrolls, couplets, central scrolls, vertical scrolls, horizontal scrolls, album leaves, and long scrolls. There are also the self-written poems to express his feelings for life, the porcelain works created together with his daughter, the rubbings of the commonly used seals of the famous calligrapher, and the 12-foot eight hanging scrolls of “Cheng Hao’s Impromptu Poem,” which is exhibited in Taiwan for the first time.
“Literary Sublimity—Lian Shenq-yann Calligraphy Exhibition” will be grandly held at Chungshan National Gallery from today to November 28. Welcome to visit the exhibition. For more information, please visit the official website of National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, www.yatsen.gov.tw, or call the service counter, (02)27588008, ext. 545, 546.