AN EXPLORATION OF RHYTHMIC REPRESENTATION: THE VARIATIONS OF CALLIGRAPHY EXPRESSIONS IN THE WORKS OF PU TZU

"The cursive script is an adjusted linear depiction of the imbalanced. It is an abstract representation to achieve a visual portrayal of the mind, in unity with the hand and the brush, creating a totem of a modern individuality." - Pu Tzu

FROM OLD MASTERS TO INDIVIDUAL EXPRESSION
Pu Tzu was named by birth as Chen Zong-chen, and was born in Tainan in 1959. Under the influence of his father, Pu Tzu started formal actice in calligraphy and literature from teachers Cao Qiu-pu, Chen Qi-quan and Chou Zhi-fu. His extensive exposure to calligraphy, including stone rubbings, seal, clerical and cursive scripts, sculpted his interest in self-expression through cursive strokes. The core ideology of his works stems from the philosophy of the East, to explore the balance between skills and concepts. His skills were further refined by experience and observations, from the representations of old masters to individual expressions, thus creating a unique and modern interpretation of classical Eastern art.

CALLIGRAPHY AS A UNIQUE REPRESENTATION
A three-meter work on paper was created in continuous strokes with tremendous effort. It is a dialogue between wet and dried strokes. In the peak of his career, in 2008-2009, Pu Tzu managed to elevate his writings to a spiritual expression with an astounding aesthetic level. As the tip of the brush sets on the paper, ink flows along with the brush. In this process, Pu Tzu created a breakthrough of cursive expression in the manner of rubbings. Hence Pu found a modern expression of cursive script. He also explored possibilities from scientific experiments. Through the years of playing badminton, Pu Tzu had strong hands to depict variations of strokes through his wrist power in sync with the mind. Such natural, sturdy and authentic representation is the key feature of his works.

(1) REPRESENTATION OF THE MIND
Calligraphy has multifarious forms of representation, from the cursive strokes of Huaisu to Pu Tzu's unique interpretation of seal and clerical scripts applied on cursive script. Pu's works play with the tempo and movement of the brush, from the point where the brush sets on the paper. Such tempo and rhythm are crucial aesthetic elements as they stipulate the movement of the strokes. The synchronization of the hand and the mind follows every tempo of strokes in a character, forming a joyous jig. Calligraphy in Cursive Script (Lot 640) is a triptych, packed with words on the panels. Such strong visual impact is accentuated by the skillful and swift depiction of the brush in a lyrical expression. Poem in Cursive Script (Lot 638) was derived from a poem by Wang Duo. Calligraphy in Cursive Script (Lot 637) was completed on red paper. Smooth and
fluid strokes could be observed with a balance of dried brush from the start to finish.

(2) FOUR-DIMENSIONAL REPRESENTATION
A four-dimensional representation of time in an artwork is expressed through the speed of brush, the form of character and its implied meaning. In Pu Tzu's works, the idea of completeness and variations are depicted through a neat array of characters followed by its continuation of words in smaller fonts. Such a structure is demonstrated in Calligraphy in Clerical Script (Lot 639), featuring squared and balanced characters. The curvaceous and fluid characters in Calligraphy (Lot 636) contrast with the small inscription on the side. This work was illustrated in Exhibition of Pu Tzu and Chen Yung-mo, published by Pu Tzu in 1997. A language has been a romantic, rhythmic and imaginative representation. The same applies to calligraphy. Calligraphy in Cursive Script (Lot 635) depicts a poem by Li Bai, inscribed with a poem by Chuang Tzu, which enriches the work with an additional philosophy and meaning.

Calligraphy leads to the state of mind. It is only with flawless techniques that are in sync with the mind, can calligraphy reach a spiritual level. As spiritual enlightenment incorporates with writing techniques, calligraphy elevates into an elusive and free spirited expression of the mind.