World-renowned artist Xu Bing's signature work "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" set to debut in Hong Kong (with photos)
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Xu Bing is internationally recognised as one of the most innovative and influential contemporary artists. Square Word Calligraphy is his created writing form that started in 1993 - English is written to resemble Chinese characters. This unique writing system highlights the diversity and integration of Eastern and Western cultures, aligning with the essence of Hong Kong's East-meets-West characteristics. Transforming the exhibition space into an interactive classroom, the art installation "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" created by Xu has been exhibited worldwide, guiding audiences from different cultural backgrounds to learn and write Square Words, enjoy the fun of traditional Chinese art, and expand creativity through switching between languages.
"Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" is set to debut in Hong Kong. Xu has specially incorporated Hong Kong's unique linguistic features, such as greetings and idioms, in the "Eying East, Wondering West - Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" exhibition at the HKMoA. This enriches the meaning and interpretation of Square Word Calligraphy, opening new avenues for cross-cultural and cross-language communication.
The exhibition invites audiences to explore Square Word Calligraphy from three perspectives: appreciation, learning, and application. In addition to showcasing new Square Word Calligraphy works, the classroom at the HKMoA includes writing tools and copybooks for learning and attempting this special writing system. With digital technology, audiences can apply what they have learned by creating words with Square Word Calligraphy. The exhibition will run from March 26 to July 30 at The Wing (Lower), G/F, HKMoA, and will move to the Oil Street Art Space in North Point from September 29 to January 11 next year. Admission is free.
Apart from the exhibition at museums, the LCSD also collaborates with MTRCL to present "Loping and Looking - Art in MTR", which will display Xu's new creations at four MTR stations from March 26 to September 25. Xu will initiate dialogues with the public by writing the greeting "Long time no see", presented in the form of Square Word Calligraphy, at Sheung Wan Station and present the station names of Admiralty, Exhibition Centre, and Wan Chai with his new writing system, integrating art into the passenger journey. This also marks the first global display of Xu Bing's creations in public transportation spaces.
For details of the exhibition, please visit the HKMoA's website (hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/eying-east-wondering-west.html). For information on the "Xu Bing in Hong Kong: Square Word Calligraphy" art initiative, please visit the Art Promotion Office's website (www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/hk_xb.html).
Ends/Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Issued at HKT 13:50
Issued at HKT 13:50
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