Shantien Tom Chow, "Mu and Zero."
Sea of Ink: Calligraphic Expressions in America aims to demystify this four millennia old art from China. This exhibition by the Southern California-based Association of International Calligraphy Arts consists of 58 works by artists of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and American backgrounds. Most works are composed of traditional swirling and geometric figures of black Sumi ink on rice paper. But a few by Vietnamese artists feature writing from that country enhanced by brightly colored watercolor paint. These lyrical paintings are composed of flowing Vietnamese words and exotic images: one image looks like a bird in flight; another appears to be an exotic sun. One surprising aspect of this show is that many exhibitors are from this country, and with no previous background in Asian art. One American artist, showing three works, explains that working in this medium is relaxing, meditative, even spiritual. “Sea of Ink” demonstrates these feelings.
Published courtesy of ArtScene
