Calligraphy Exhibition to Commemorate China's 1911 Revolution

The first-ever calligraphy exhibition to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of China's 1911 Revolution was held from October 15 to 30, 2011 at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM. Entitled "In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of China's 1911 Revolution – An Exhibition of Zhou Junjie and Foo Yong Kong's Calligraphic Works" the exhibition was co-organised by the Malaysia Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Association, International Cultural Exchange Centre of Henan Province, Yinbing Hotel of The Yellow River Henan and Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM).

On hand to officiate the opening ceremony was Consul of the Chinese Embassy Su Qiang, representing The People's Republic of China's Ambassador to Malaysia HE Chai Xi. In his opening speech, HE Chai Xi mentioned that Malaysian Chinese had played an important role in the success of the 1911 Revolution and lauded the artistic efforts to commemorate the revolution. As paintings and calligraphy embody the essence of Chinese culture, he added, the promotion of these arts contributes to the artistic exchanges and friendship between China and Malaysia. Mr Su Qiang also launched the catalogue of the exhibition.

Also known as the Xinhai Revolution, China's 1911 Revolution was best remembered for ending the feudal system that ruled China for over 2,000 years, turning China into a republic. To commemorate the spirit and wisdom of the revolution, two calligraphers Mr Zhou, from China, and Dr Foo, from Malaysia, held a joint exhibition of calligraphic works.

Mr Zhou, a scholar from central China, is a seasoned calligrapher. He has initiated efforts in building both the creative and theoretical aspects of calligraphic art to new heights. He is presently the vice general-director of the International Cultural Exchange Centre of Henan Province and honorary chairman of the Calligraphy Association of Henan Province.

Art talk

Dr Foo is the President of the Malaysia Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Association. His works can be divided into the neo-classical style; contemporary short verse scripts and a colourful combination of ink and colours, resulting in a signature style of his own. The boldness and innovation in his calligraphy reflects his efforts to enhance the universal visual expression.

From the 100 works on display, the common element binding their works is the combination of traditional skills with bold and unrestrained spirit, richness, vitality and personal styles. Being contemporary artists, they present to the viewers the wisdom, culture, history, tradition, aesthetics and temperament of the calligraphy of present times.

In conjunction with the exhibition, an art talk and guided tours were also conducted. A calligraphic display was also held on October 22.