Exhibition unites calligraphy and oil painting traditions

For the first time, the galleries of the Chinese Academy of Oil Painting are hosting a calligraphy exhibition, turning a space long devoted to oil painting into a meeting point for two artistic traditions. The cross-disciplinary showcase is expected to spark fresh dialogue and inspiration, says Yang Feiyun, former director of the academy.

The exhibition, Walk Alone, features 100 calligraphic works by Zhang Ersu, spanning a range of styles that highlight the depth and meditative spirit of the Chinese calligraphy tradition. Yang describes Zhang's work as "intense, bold and full of force", conveying a profound, contemplative and solemn inner world.

Zhang says the exhibition's title reflects the pursuit of self-reflection through solitude and the search for truth with an independent mind. After years immersed in classical traditions while exploring contemporary expressions of Chinese calligraphy, he says the works on display embody the calmness and quiet contemplation he has found in recent years.