Chan Oi Ying is graduated from the Department of Fine Arts at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, majoring in Chinese Calligraphy. Currently a calligraphy artist and tutor, she advocates for the coexistence of tradition and innovation. In recent years, she has focused on creating avant-garde calligraphy. Her works emphasize the power of brush and ink, the texture of lines, and aesthetic forms. In February of this year, she exhibited alongside the works of Japanese modern calligraphy master Inoue Yuichi (井上有一) in a joint exhibition in Taipei.

Can you tell us about your background and how you started your artistic journey?

I graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a BA in Fine Arts. My studies primarily focused on traditional Chinese art, including calligraphy and painting. Since graduation, I have worked as an artist and calligraphy tutor. Concurrently, I have been studying modern Japanese calligraphy in order to develop my own artistic style.

What are the main themes or concepts you explore in your calligraphy works?

The themes and concepts that I explore are like most artistic creations, inspired by things in daily life that move me. They can be various. For example, past inspirations have come from my mother, the Tang Dynasty Chinese poet Luo Binwang (駱賓王), the Japanese monk Shumyo Masuno (枡野俊明), Hong Kong street scenes, etc.

How do your personal experiences and identity influence your art and the medium you choose?

Since I studied fashion design for three years with a higher diploma before studying at the University. After graduation, I worked at a well-known fashion magazine in Hong Kong. Because of this experience, I have a keen sense of Avant-garde aesthetic (which is inspired by the Avant-garde fashion designers). Additionally, I deeply admire Japanese culture, particularly their appreciation for the aesthetic of wabisabi (侘寂), which has greatly influenced my artworks.

Can you describe a recent project or artwork that you are particularly proud of?

Mushin (無心), which is the largest work created so far, with dimensions of 220 x 400 cm. The brush that used to write this work weighs 4 kilograms with soaked ink. Although it is not the first time using this brush to write, using such a heavy brush to produce satisfactory lines and shapes still presents considerable difficulty. As usual, the artwork demands high quality in lines and shape. Fortunately, the final piece’s effect, line quality, and variations in form are all highly satisfactory.

What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?

The greatest challenges can be divided into internal and external aspects. Internally, since calligraphy art originates from tradition, the challenge lies in combining contemporary aesthetic elements with traditional foundations to express a unique artistic style. This requires time and practice to strike the right balance.

Externally, calligraphy art is considered a niche in the art market. When collectors come across a calligraphy work they love, they are very enthusiastic and purchase it immediately. However, compared to the painting art market, calligraphy works struggle to enter the mainstream, especially in Western art markets. I hope this situation can change in the near future.

What do you hope people take away from your art when they experience it?

Slow down to appreciate the details and enjoy the pleasure and spiritual resonance that art brings.

How do you stay inspired and motivated to create new works?

Staying inspired is to first observe things in daily life, noting which forms attract me. I start with the form and then reflect on the underlying reasons why that form appears. I believe the forms that initially capture my attention must contain deeper meanings. After analyzing the meanings, I will be much more motivated.

How do you stay inspired and motivated to create new works?

Staying inspired is to first observe things in daily life, noting which forms attract me. I start with the form and then reflect on the underlying reasons why that form appears. I believe the forms that initially capture my attention must contain deeper meanings. After analyzing the meanings, I will be much more motivated.

Text & photo courtesy of Chan Oi Ying

Website: https://www.chanoiying.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanoiying/