【Reporter : Chen Yi-zhe / Taipei】

The “Brilliant Ink-Liang Yongfei Calligraphy Exhibition” is on display at the Dequn Art Gallery of National Taiwan Normal University until June 29. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including renowned collector Wang Wen-yang, CEO of Hongren Group, and his daughter, internationally renowned fashion designer Wang Sihan, along with prominent figures such as Chairman Lin Jia-chi of Yu Ju Construction, Chairman Deng Chuan-xin, Chairman Huang Teng-hui, Chief Prosecutor Zhu Zhao-ming, President Li Wei-xian of United University, as well as celebrated artists Liu Guo-song, Liao Xiu-ping, Jiang Ming-xian, Su Xian-fa, Lin Zhang-hu, and Xiao Shi-qiong. The opening was marked by a string quartet performance by the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra.

Also in attendance were notable individuals such as famous oil painter and Tainan Art Museum Chairman Su Xian-fa, former Director of the National Museum of History Professor Liao Xin-tian, Asia University Modern Art Museum Director Pan Lian, and the incoming Director of the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts Professor Liao Ren-yi. The exhibition’s curator, Dr. Yeh Kuo-hsin, an art appraiser from Mo Hai Lou International Art Research Institution, stated that the exhibition not only offers a retrospective of Liang Yongfei’s calligraphy career but also serves as a snapshot of the development of Taiwanese calligraphy in the late 20th century.

Born in 1962 in Pingtung, Taiwan, Liang Yongfei was introduced to calligraphy by his uncle, Mr. Liang Zhao-jin. Despite attending the Department of Physical Education at Taitung Teachers College in his youth, his passion for calligraphy remained strong. He established a calligraphy club at school, where he served as president, and under the guidance of mentors such as Tao Jin-ming, Professor Hong Wen-zhen, and Principal Chen Ding-qi, he solidified his foundation in calligraphy. Liang initially learned from Ouyang Xun’s calligraphy, before expanding into various scripts such as clerical, seal, running, cursive, and even ancient script, constantly practicing copying calligraphic inscriptions.

Liang’s creative work, as he explained, begins with traditional Eastern calligraphy principles and rules but goes beyond conventional forms. Through methods such as breaking characters and deconstructing strokes, he opens new boundaries in writing and enhances the tension of the brushstrokes. His work also touches on Western influences, combining line variations in thickness, length, curvature, smoothness, and roughness to create multi-dimensional space. His calligraphy carries an almost painterly quality and rhythmic flow, reminiscent of late 19th-century Western abstract artists like Miro and Mondrian.

Liang has evolved through five distinct creative styles: tradition, form and rhythm, transformation, vibrancy, and boundlessness, ultimately developing his own unique artistic language and transitioning from a “calligrapher” to an “artist of calligraphy.”

Dr. Ye Guoshin, who shares many professional and artistic interests with Liang, expressed admiration for Liang’s deep understanding of the styles and philosophies of great masters throughout history. He praised Liang’s profound knowledge of ancient, modern, and contemporary Western artists’ techniques and philosophies.

The exhibition’s opening attracted a large number of art enthusiasts, with Liang’s works especially appreciated by emerging fashion designer Wang Sihan. Wang’s “Love Letter” series of luxury bags, which has been favored and collected by the Duchess of Cambridge, also reflects her support for Liang’s creative endeavors and encourages him to continue showcasing his talents on the international art stage.