May 22, 2018

For over 50 years, Master Shen-Long, a contemporary master of the classical Chinese literati perfections of painting, poetry, and calligraphy, has pioneered new approaches to painting that has made him one of the most innovative ink artists of this generation. 

Influenced by his deep understanding of Buddhist, Daoist and Confucian philosophies, Master Shen-Long’s bold and experimental work challenges traditional assumptions about Chinese painting, and raises important concepts regarding mankind’s relationship with the universe. His artistic philosophy is grounded in three philosophical concepts found in Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism:  In Confucianism, the concept of “integration between Nature and Mankind”; in Daoism, the concept of “one is wholly in harmony with the way of nature”; and in Buddhism, the concept of “everyone can become Buddha, and through cultivation we can recover our wisdom ability and enlightenment power.”  

In this one-night exclusive performance, Master Shen-Long creates a bold new calligraphic ink work at his studio in front of a live audience. Using video technology, the audience is invited to watch the artist in action in real-time from all angles, as he unveils a new original poetic composition that celebrates the inner light found in all beings. Light and shadow dance across an enormous handmade sheet of traditional high quality xuan paper (rice paper), whereupon the artist writes using Chinese ink infused with metallic gold power. Sound is enhanced to hear the meditative stroke of brush to paper. Master Shen-Long’s boundary-crossing artwork showcases the best features of the Chinese literati three perfections, while innovating upon and reimagining the history of Chinese painting today and into the future.

Calligraphy: Shadow and Light is co-commissioned by the Crow Museum of Asian Art and the Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family SOLUNA International Music & Arts Festival.

Header Image: Master Shen-Long creating a new calligraphy work. Courtesy of the artist.

Event photography by Sylvia Elfazon, Courtesy of the Crow Museum of Asian Art.