The Manifestation Of Life In Calligraphy

Centered on the study of both Mao Zedong's and Great Master Hongyi's calligraphy, the thesis, with the adoption of historical comparative and logical research methods, takes human life as its breakthrough point. The comparison and analysis from various perspectives reveals that the difference between artistic features of calligraphy stems from that of the individual life of human beings.The calligraphy of Mao Zedong and Great Master Hongyi, famous calligraphers in China, graced the calligraphic circles and held a leading position in the twentieth century. Their calligraphy, in a century studded with celebrated calligraphers, is regarded as the criteria by the people learning calligraphy afterwards. By comparison, it is obvious that the styles of their works are so different that they actually assume two artistic features quite distinct from each other. One is full of vigorous strokes and bold outline and the other reserved and simple. Concerning the question why there is a remarkable contrast between their calligraphy, the author makes some detailed explorations from the following aspects. First, careful contrast of the two in fenghao, style and features of the lines and the art of composition will show up the specific differences between their calligraphy. Then the individual divergence, artistic makings, calligraphic sentiments and mood for creation of the two calligraphers will be contrasted and analyzed. Finally, the source of the transformation of calligraphic features will be probed into from the perspective of absorption in and aloofness from worldly affairs. In short, the main reasons for the differences between their calligraphic features are dissected mainly from the aspect of the life of mind and the aspect of social life. A further analysis shows that calligraphic art is inextricably tied up with the individual life of human beings. Calligraphy, the unique embodiment of individual life and peculiar form of existence, is a means for calligrapher to express their understanding of life process and life experience, and therefore it turns into an art displaying life state and life pursuit. In other words, calligraphy gives a description of human life and highlights the calligrapher's own life.