As a calligrapher, I've often pondered why calligraphy has difficulties modernizing, despite its deep traditional roots. While there are some examples of digital calligraphy and abstract calligraphy, the content and meaning often remain old-fashioned, focusing on single characters or ancient proverbs, samurai values, etc.
In an effort to shake things up and explore the intersection between tradition and modernity, I embarked on a unique artistic mad day to create a new artwork that both breaks away from and upholds tradition:
- I used traditional Washi paper, but in black 🖤
- It is mounted on a Kakejiku scroll, but with rounded corners (I remembered how Steve Jobs used to hate windows with regular corners)
- I used acrylic instead of ink
- Most importantly, I wanted to create a dialogue between old and new culture: "Matrix" inspired design, filled with excerpts from the “Hojoki” in green katakana, and a flowing white 無 or "Emptiness"
The “Hojoki” (The Ten Foot Square Hut), a 1212 essay by Kamo no Chomei, delves into the impermanence of life and offers wisdom on how to navigate turbulent times. The vertical text, written in katakana, poetically highlights the transience of all things in existence.
This unique calligraphy piece blends the wisdom of ancient Japanese literature with the post-modern, thought-provoking concepts from "The Matrix". In a way, the Matrix itself represents the illusion of permanence, keeping us trapped in cycles of suffering. By recognizing the ever-changing nature of the world, we can free ourselves from attachment to desires and expectations.
This is a central theme in both Buddhism and The Matrix, as the protagonists must let go of their preconceived notions about reality to transcend the limitations of the Matrix. While the parallel between Buddhism and The Matrix might be rather shaky, it provided a rich foundation for a fascinating creative exploration.
It was a fun calligraphy to create, and I hope it sparks conversations and inspires others to explore weird combinations. As an artist, I am passionate about pushing the boundaries of calligraphy, and I believe that by doing so, we can create a bridge between the past and the present, forging new paths for artistic expression.
You can see some of my artworks on Artsper.
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