Spring Strokes 春之笔触 , Culture Bridges 文化之桥
Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy Workshop
with Master Ye Peirong
Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto, Room PS13A (South Building)
Monday, April 21, 14:30–17:30 GMT
An exploration of the form and poetry of Eastern strokes with master painter and calligrapher Ye Peirong. This workshop invites participants to experience Chinese calligraphy with a brush. Ye Peirong will present his work, demonstrate his personal technique, and guide participants through the first steps in the art of lively and expressive calligraphic strokes.
This initiative is co-organized by Sofia Fang and the SIG Ligatures of i2ADS as part of the Project 1 course of LDC at FBAUP. Whether through the opportunity to explore the multiple materializations of language or to engage in an intercultural dialogue, this is an invitation to immerse yourself in the practice of writing as a bridge that connects worlds.
Ye Peirong, a master painter and Chinese calligrapher, was born in 1940 in Shuinan Village, Qingtian, Zhejiang Province, into a family with academic and artistic ties. He studied traditional Chinese painting and drawing under masters such as Chen Aucfue and Chen Jaar. Although self-taught in calligraphy, he developed a unique style that blends tradition and innovation.
In 1983, he moved to Portugal and resumed his artistic career in the 1990s, fostering cultural exchange between China and the West and participating in numerous exhibitions in museums and universities in Portugal and other countries. Today, he is the president of the Association of Chinese and Portuguese Artists and vice president of the European Academy of Calligraphy and Painting. He continues to explore classic themes such as flowers, landscapes, and calligraphy, always with a vivid and poetic touch.
The workshop begins with a presentation of the artist’s work, including examples of his pieces, books, and physical artworks. This is followed by an introduction to the basic materials of Chinese calligraphy, covering the different types of paper, brushes, and ink used in the practice.
The hands-on segment includes a calligraphy demonstration, starting with the fundamental strokes using the character 永 (eternity), which encapsulates all essential brush movements. Participants will also learn about the correct writing order, following the traditional rule of top to bottom and left to right. Additionally, the main calligraphy styles—Xingshu, Caoshu, Lishu, Zhuanshu, and Kaishu—will be introduced, with a demonstration of the same character in each style.
Finally, the artist will present a Chinese illustration demonstration, showcasing traditional subjects such as flowers and birds, offering a broader perspective on the art and aesthetics of this tradition.