Art exhibit to showcase calligraphy

Calligraphy is the art of writing, and is a highly praised visual art form in China.

The decorative handwriting is produced with either a pen or ink. The exact date of it becoming an artform is unknown. When it first appeared, it is said that the style emerged during the Shang dynasty when the oldest Chinese language Jia Ju Wen started appearing on the shells of turtles. These markings appeared to display ownership of materials. The style soon became popularized during the Han dynasty when its simple design was adopted by many artists.

From April 25 to May 15, students at Southeast Missouri State University will have the opportunity to view pieces of calligraphy from Chinese visiting scholar Hongji Yue.

Since the age of 7, Yue has been practicing calligraphy under the influence of multiple teachers. He spent his college years in the Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts in China where he earned his doctoral degree in art history. Now he serves as an art professor at Chang'an University in Xi'an, China and has published six books and seven research papers.

Yue said calligraphy is a tough craft to master due to the complexity of the shapes that make up each character.

"I practiced calligraphy day by day when I had time," Yue said. "Each method was taught by another teacher. Calligraphy is very hard to master as Chinese paintings include much variety."

Some of his paintings feature displays of mountains with vast rivers and forests. Yue said he feels enlightened when he shares his experiences he has of his home. Yue said he will also have his poetry he designed through methods of calligraphy o.

"I illustrated to many people how to paint Chinese calligraphy. It's a totally different style," Yue said. "One piece that I will present is of an ancient poem of China. This poem describes a beautiful picture of the country side of life in China. It's also very hard to describe because if there is something in a certain place, you have to rewrite it."

During the event, Yue seeks to educate the student body on Chinese traditions and customs.

"As a visiting scholar, the main purpose is to enrich the students about Chinese culture and calligraphy," Yue said. "I'm very glad to let them know Chinese traditional culture."

The exhibit will feature more than 70 paintings and calligraphies from Yue. The variety of illustrations that will be showcased will come in multiple sizes and shapes. Yue paints many different scenes in his work to appeal to a wide audience. For Yue, the best way to reach out to American spectators is to adapt to their culture within his work.

"The first set will include Chinese paintings," Yue said. "Then, there are the calligraphies which consist of three characteristics: water, color and ink. Finally, I will express American culture with a Chinese art language. I think I should combine cultural elements in America. Most people believe Jesus has risen, so I think my painting of a cross and Jesus' tomb is significant to many people."

Yue's exhibit will show from April 25 to May 15 in the first floor hallway gallery of the Kenneth and Jeanine Dobbins River Campus Center. An artist reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. this Friday in the Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum and will correspond with the "Rock, Paper, Scissors" faculty exhibition as well as Cape Girardeau's downtown First Friday art events.