QIU ZHENZHONG

Qiu Zhenzhong has demonstrated a subtle control of space, time and lines, which shapes his unique style of art that combines elements of Chinese calligraphy and modern art. However, Qiu’s works focus on exhibiting high aesthetic value, rather than advocating the didactic purpose of calligraphy. The only way of serving the contemporary through aesthetics is to liberate Chinese calligraphy from its typical ideology, so as to transform its aesthetic function into something more authentic and absolute. This idea is clearly evident in his series Characters To Be Deciphered, which are inspired by the unverified characters from bronze vessels dating back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Unlike Xu Bing, who created ‘false characters’ and Gu Wenda’s ‘typos’, Qiu has not attempted to alter the structure of the Chinese characters, but instead has resurfaced the unrecognisable. The artist perceived the symbols as characters, even though their meaning has yet to be recognised. The so-called ‘abstract’ form effect from modern abstract paintings is unintentional; Qiu’s works embody the fundamental qualities of traditional calligraphy. The only difference is that Qiu has liberated and restored the characters.