Calligraphers from Penang and Melaka gather to show off the art

Guests watching calligraphers including Law (right) inscribe characters on a large piece at the joint exhibition in Penang.

DESPITE their geographic separation, Penang and Melaka have many things in common including being hotbeds for Chinese calligraphy.

Practitioners of the art abound in both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and many came together to show off their best works.

The Penang - Malacca Chinese Calligraphy Joint Exhibition 2018 featured 30 from each state and was held over two legs.

The first event was held in Melaka in February.

The second exhibition was held at Penang State Art Gallery for over two weeks recently.

Noorzawani showing off her Chinese calligraphy skill.

The calligraphers each put up one piece of inscribed with proverbs, auspicious wishes and other observations on life.

Calligraphers Association of Penang founding member Datuk Loh Sum Min said calligraphy was more than just written artistic expression, adding that it was an integral part of Chinese culture.

Malaysian Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Association Melaka branch chairman Law Meng Liang found the turnout heartwarming.

“The last time we had a show like this was 20 years ago.

“There is much interest in calligraphy in Melaka now with many people wanting to learn the art.

“Both states are the top places in the country for this artform,” Law said at the show’s opening ceremony.

State Art Gallery committee representative Chng Kiah Kiean said previous joint shows were held in 1993 and 1997.

“The shows allowed calligraphers in both states to learn from each other and exchange ideas.

Loh giving his speech at the opening ceremony of the Penang-Malacca Chinese Calligraphy Joint Exhibition 2018.

“Calligraphy is an art of lines and dots and I hope this connects us again,” he added.

At the opening ceremony, calligraphers and guests were invited to inscribe characters on long sheets of paper.

They provided contrasting styles and strokes and this resulted in several unique calligraphy pieces.

Among those who gave it a go was Noorzawani Mohamad Imran, 23, who surprised many with her calligraphy skill.

“I attended a Chinese primary school and the unique strokes of Chinese characters intrigued me.

“Six months ago, I met a master and decided to pick up the art,” she revealed.