Graceful, flowing brushstrokes blend with disciplined, precise movements, blending physical skill and artistic expression to showcase the strength and delicacy of this ancient art.
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Renowned martial arts calligrapher Wang Houdang will be hosting his “Kung Fu Ink” Calligraphy Exhibition at the Ethan Coen Art Center, 211 Fishkill Ave, Beacon, NY, from June 1-30, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Curated by Ethan Coen, Gan Yu, and Xing Desheng, the highly anticipated exhibition features Wang Houdang's 260-character calligraphy of the Heart Sutra, written with his homemade 40-pound steel brush. Houdang will also be hosting an in-person lecture at the gallery on June 26, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST.
The “Kung Fu Ink” exhibition, which opened on June 1, encapsulates the depth and richness of traditional Chinese culture by fusing two iconic Chinese arts, martial arts and calligraphy. The exhibition featured three of Goudang's outstanding works: “Dragon” celebrates the Year of the Dragon, which holds the highest status in Chinese culture; “Eagle” symbolizes the strength, freedom and independence of American culture; and “Tao” highlights America's central position in traditional Chinese culture as the birthplace of Taoism. Goudang's extraordinary skills were displayed through the entire text of the Heart Sutra, which is written in “five-color ink” calligraphy, with each character written with meticulous care. This unique style of calligraphy is a test of skill and perseverance, reflecting Goudang's deep respect and dedication to the classical arts of Buddhism. This groundbreaking exhibition was the first to feature the Heart Sutra written in “five-color ink,” proving Goudang's mastery of martial arts philosophy through calligraphy.
“Wushu calligraphy is a fusion of two of China's great cultural heritages: martial arts and calligraphy. It represents both a unique style of calligraphy and artistic innovation, and the use of water and ink in this way is unprecedented in the world of calligraphy,” said Hou Tang, who is also chairman of the Kung Fu Ink Association. “We hope to use this opportunity to bring traditional Chinese culture to the international stage and allow more people to understand and experience the depth of Chinese culture.”
Ethan Coen, executive director of the Ethan Coen Gallery, praised Hou Tang's kung fu calligraphy, which integrates various artistic elements including ink painting, martial arts and performance art. Coen's family boasts deep ties to Chinese culture and art, with his father, Jerome Coen, founder of the Harvard University School of East Asian Law, and his mother, Joan Coen, one of the first scholars to introduce contemporary Chinese art to the West.
“Wang Hou Tang is a performance artist and embodies new and fascinating artistic possibilities. Every Chinese character you see is a beautiful visual poem born from his mind, soul and years of martial arts and calligraphy training,” Cohen said, also expressing his hope to use this opportunity to carry on his family tradition and build a bridge of cultural exchange between China and the United States.
Calligrapher Wang Houdang will hold a lecture at the Ethan Coen Gallery from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on June 26, 2024. Houdang introduced the contemporary art exchanges between China and the United States during the Reform and Opening-up era from 1978 to 1988, and spoke about the “Kung Fu Ink” exhibition, which marked a new era in the calligraphy world.
Wang Houtang extended special gratitude to those who worked hard to make “Kung Fu, Inc.” a reality, including Curator and Executive Director Ethan Coen, Co-curators Gan Yu and Cinde Shen, and Exhibition Assistant Chare Hong. Furthermore, Wang's works were purchased by renowned artist and collector Yigal Ozeri, highlighting the significant influence and recognition his artistry has received.
For more information about the exhibition, please visit: https://www.ecfa.com/exhibitions/124-wang-hou-tang-kung-fu-ink-beacon-ny/
About the artist Wang Hou Tang:
Born in Shandong, China, Wang Hou Tang comes from a rich tradition of martial arts and calligraphy. Born into a family of calligraphers, Wang began studying martial arts and the ancient art of calligraphy at the age of seven. For the past two decades, Wang has practiced calligraphy almost every day, four hours a day, with his custom, handmade 40-pound steel brush. Known for his bold, powerful martial arts calligraphy, Wang currently creates his calligraphy in his six-acre mansion and garden in downtown Yantai, China.
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