News | 12.12, 2024
“Ink Without Borders – Shih Chun-Mao Contemporary Calligraphy Exhibition in France” was successfully held in winter 2024 at Galerie Librairie Impressions in Paris. More than just a solo exhibition, it marked a significant milestone in Taiwan–France cultural exchange. Through his distinctive fusion of abstract aesthetics and calligraphy, Shih Chun-Mao showcased the depth and modernity of Eastern art. French audiences, engaging with this uniquely Eastern artistic form, expressed great interest and appreciation for the beauty of Chinese culture, further strengthening the bridge between Taiwanese and French artistic communities.
Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Shih is a key figure in the Taiwanese calligraphy scene. With a mastery of all major calligraphic styles - seal, clerical, regular, semi-cursive, and cursive - combined with a background in Western painting, his work radiates a harmonious blend of Eastern tradition and Western abstraction. Shih redefines the boundaries of calligraphy, merging brushstrokes with abstract art to expand its expressive potential beyond the traditional role of writing.
The exhibition featured three major series. "Beyond Form, Beyond Shape", which liberates calligraphy from literal characters to explore pure rhythm and movement. "A Riot of Blossoms", which fuses calligraphic elements with visual art techniques, transforming abstract meanings into vivid, emotional imagery. "Cangjie’s Muse", a creative reflection on the structure and symbolism of Chinese characters in a modern visual context. This exhibition paid tribute to traditional calligraphy while seeking innovation and breakthrough. Shih dismantled the divide between painting and writing, using abstract symbols and lines to fuse Zen aesthetics with contemporary visual language—revealing the boundless possibilities and contemporary relevance of Eastern calligraphic art.
ORing Industrial Networking Corp. and the ORing Ta Gang Cultural and Arts Foundation place strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility, particularly in promoting arts and cultural innovation. This exhibition not only highlighted Mr. Shih’s pioneering contributions to modern calligraphy but also demonstrated ORing’s active role in supporting art education and international cultural exchange. Through such cross-disciplinary cultural initiatives, ORing affirms its commitment to enriching cultural life and fostering sustainable development in the arts.