On 1 September, the esteemed contemporary Chinese calligrapher Wang Dongling delivered an enlightening art talk titled “Traversing Time, Beyond Imagery: The Art of Wang Dongling’s Cursive Script” at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM. The event, coorganised by SGM and Malaysia Seal Carving Association, attracted some 350 participants on-site and online.

After an opening remark by SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai, Mr Wang took the audience on a journey through his early passion for calligraphy and art, which sparked a lifelong journey of exploration and refinement.

During the interactive session, he addressed a range of questions from attendees, including inquiries about the inspiration behind his “chaos script,” the appreciation of calligraphy by those unfamiliar with Chinese characters and how to achieve a breakthrough in art.

Mr Wang encouraged parents to allow their children the freedom to explore their artistic inclinations, rather than confining them to a specific style of calligraphy. He also underscored the importance of setting ambitious goals, practising diligently and embracing constructive criticism.

As the event drew to a close, Mr Wang captivated the audience with a live demonstration, skillfully using a blend of white and green acrylic paints to inscribe one of President Ikeda’s renowned quotes on a transparent acrylic board.

With more than six decades of experience in the art world, Mr Wang currently serves as the director of the Modern Calligraphy Research Centre at the China Academy of Art.

He is particularly recognised for his innovative “silver-salt calligraphy” and “chaos script” styles.  He also integrates virtual reality into his calligraphy creations.

Notably, he is the only artist to have held three solo exhibitions at the National Art Museum of China in 1987, 1994, and 2007. Last year, he held a solo exhibition at The Heong Gallery at the University of Cambridge in the UK, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary calligraphy.