Xie Shaocheng: Wang Xizhi's Calligraphy Aesthetics and Contemporary Creation

Huifeng and Chang, Dangui fragrance. On the morning of October 26, 2021, Xie Shaocheng, director of the China Book Association, vice chairman of the Jiangsu Book Association, chairman of the Nanjing Book Association, and famous military calligrapher, was invited to give a wonderful lecture to the students of the 2021 Art Critic Talent Training Class of Jiangsu Art Fund with the theme of "Wang Xizhi's Calligraphy Aesthetics and Contemporary Creation".

As a military calligrapher who grew up in Jiangnan, Teacher Xie Shaocheng has an in-depth and unique study of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy, and he analyzes the aesthetic elements of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy to the students through three aspects from the perspective of philosophy and aesthetics.

The first is the "neutralization" view in the depths of Wang Xi's soul. Teacher Xie Shaocheng said that the "neutralization" idea of the unity of the three religions of Confucianism and Taoism permeates Wang Xizhi's calligraphy aesthetic, showing a creative personality that is not exciting, a creative mentality of peace of mind, and a creative means of doing whatever it wants. "Zhong" is Zhongzheng, which is a moral code that conforms to heaven and human feelings; an impartial and appropriate state; and is a reasonable, appropriate, and appropriate artistic pursuit. "Harmony" emphasizes the complementarity of yin and yang, the unity of the two opposing sides of the contradiction, and the balance and harmony of reaching "harmony".

The second is the understanding of the law of the unity of opposites revealed in Wang Xizhi's works. Teacher Xie Shaocheng stressed that "medium" does not mean that the creative thinking is decent, and he does not dare to cross the thunder pool half a step; "and" is not a harmonious mess and engages in egalitarianism in the structure of the rules. The most concrete manifestation of the concept of "neutralization" revealed in Wang Xizhi's works is the proper grasp and application of the law of the unity of opposites.

In the course of the lecture, Teacher Xie Shaocheng from time to time took the words and phrases in Wang Xizhi's "Xiaoyuan Ti" and "Er Xie Ti" as examples, integrated theoretical knowledge into specific cases, and through analyzing and interpreting the parts of the famous posts, let the students have a clearer and intuitive understanding of the aesthetics contained in Wang Xizhi's calligraphy- that is, the "beauty of contradictions" contained in Wang Xizhi's calligraphy, that is, "curved and straight", "square and circle", "odd and positive", "virtual and real", "late and fast".

The third is the overall aesthetic atmosphere of Wang Xi's era, that is, the expression of "the beauty of Jin Yun". Teacher Xie Shaocheng said that what is the "rhyme" of Jinren? What are its external and inner manifestations? There is no clear answer from ancient times to the present.

But to discuss the aesthetic elements of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy, this "rhyme" word is an unavoidable proposition. To this end, Professor Xie Shaocheng combined the results of Chinese and Western aesthetic research to objectively analyze the reasons why Jin Yun was unclear and unclear. It is believed that Jin Yun exists in the curve of change in aesthetics; in the subtle pen and ink technique; and in the clever structural contrast.

Finally, Teacher Xie Shaocheng retraced the beauty of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy, and combined with his own experience in practice and creation, he talked about the indefinite method of the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" and discussed the reasons for not hiding the edge, the structure and the flexible and changeable form of the penmanship. Three steps and methods for achieving the combination of form, god and mind in the "Orchid Pavilion Preface" are proposed. Furthermore, it is believed that in order to grasp its varied technical characteristics and rich spiritual connotations, in addition to learning the techniques that follow the trend, it is also necessary to start from its extension to achieve a deeper understanding and understanding.

After the lecture, Mr. Xie Shaocheng also carefully answered the questions raised by some of the students, explaining their doubts and full of dry goods, and his unique insights and pertinent suggestions made the students express great benefits.

Correspondent Xu Xuanye

Yangzi Evening News | Purple Cow News reporter Shen Zhao

Source: Purple Cow News