Ink Play

Yuan artist Wu Zhen wrote in Theory of Painting, “For literati, the game of ink is another hobby of spontaneity aside from poetry.” After Song dynasty, black ink instead of color dominated calligraphy and painting to form a singular language that is at times intense, at times light. This genre of free-style painting is call “moxi” or ink play.

This project starts out with an uninhibited stroke to enliven a literati spirit and mood whereby the ink delivers quiet dynamism while leaving swift streaks as if dabbed by a dry brush on the glass partition. The elegant hue in the ceiling reveals a washing effect and the cabinet wall is accentuated by dense layers of cun strokes.

The strokes “twist” on the marble, “lift-up and press” in the barred partitions, “turn” in the ceiling lamp… the six techniques of calligraphy continuously alternate with each other to create myriad details for the space. Here, the space becomes the paper, on which forms dissolve into imageries, writing turns into play. The art expands and retracts effortlessly like the vivid charm, rhythm and harmony of nature. As for the light and shadow floating in the space, they are ink in water that dance or lark in the corners of the house. Like ink play, every line, every stroke delineates the owner’s unique persona.