"Japan… Between Tradition and Modernity." I've lost count of the times I've encountered an article, documentary, or social media post with this exact title. It's become the ultimate cliché! But perhaps the reason so many gravitate towards this phrase is not due to a lack of creativity but rather because it encapsulates what Japan truly embodies.
As a calligrapher, I deeply understand the reverence and weight attributed to tradition. However, I can't shake the fear that strict adherence to tradition might limit our perspectives and stifle innovation.
Calligraphy, traditionally, is known for its rigorous forms and precise strokes, with each character upholding centuries-old standards. The training usually involves meticulous replication of a model, which, in itself, isn't particularly challenging. Through repetition, one masters brush control and character balance.
Yet, when I achieve a script identical to the ancient models, I find myself asking, "So what?" In the West, no one would laud a composer for creating music that mirrors Bach or Mozart exactly. Most would likely respond with a dismissive "So what? I could just listen to the originals. Why should I appreciate your imitation?"
So, why doesn't this mindset prevail in Japan, where the creation of traditional calligraphy continues unabated? (Admittedly, there are a few avant-garde outliers, but they are the exception rather than the rule).
If we view calligraphy as an art form, it must serve as a vessel for personal expression; otherwise, it risks losing its significance. My goal is to encapsulate emotions and moments, utilizing the brush to articulate what words cannot. The focus shouldn't be on the rigid adherence to age-old rules, however venerable and well-considered they may be.
Every stroke should be a testament to freedom, every drop of ink a declaration of individuality. This is the vision I hold for my journey with Japanese calligraphy—a journey that ought to diverge from tradition to become truly fulfilling.
But perhaps this is merely a fanciful notion, and we are indeed bound by the weight of tradition in Japan, limited by the extent of freedom its chains afford us.
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