Out of Character Decoding Chinese Calligraphy (Art Exhibit)

What defines a masterwork? This exhibition, focusing on fifteen masterpieces supported by twenty-five additional works of the highest quality, explores the roles of tradition, creativity and self-expression in the art of Chinese calligraphy. Through the centuries, a complex set of rules and traditions evolved impacting every aspect of the calligrapher’s practice. Within these constraints, creativity and self-expression have remained the goals of the Chinese calligrapher. Global artistic phenomenon… Show more Xu Bing has proposed a new multi-media piece especially for the exhibition.Out of Character also includes paintings--borrowed from the collection of SFMOMA--by modern American masters Brice Marden, Franz Kline, and Mark Tobey, whose works have been linked with calligraphy.

"Dragon", detail from poem in cursive script by Zhang Ruitu (???, 1570-1641), large hanging scroll, ink on paper.

This exhibition was organized by the Asian Art Museum. Presentation at the Asian Art Museum is made possible by The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation.

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