The Skeleton of the Brush
While my Gestural Abstraction focuses on speed and emotion, my Calligraphic Constructivism works focus on stability and structure. This series is not related to the political Constructivism of the Russian avant-garde. Instead, it is deeply rooted in the Chinese concept of Gu Fa (骨法 Bone Method). I treat the brushstroke not as a gesture, but as a building block. I deconstruct the Chinese character until only its architectural essence remains—beams, arches, and pillars made of ink.
1. Deconstructing the Character
From Symbol to Structure
Every Chinese character is a complex construction of balance. In this Calligraphic Constructivism series, I take a character—like the simple “One” (一 Yi) or “Man” (人 Ren)—and explode it. I isolate the strokes and rearrange them into new, abstract architectures. The semantic meaning is lost, but the structural integrity remains. It is an analysis of weight and tension on the paper.
2. Hard Edges on Yupo
The Industrial Surface in Abstract Ink Construction
To achieve a “constructivist” look, I often switch from soft rice paper to Yupo (synthetic paper). Yupo does not forgive. It creates hard, sharp edges. The ink sits on top like oil on water, allowing me to push and pull the pigment into geometric forms that look almost digital or industrial. It is the perfect medium for a cooler, more analytical approach to ink painting.
3. The Colors of Geometry
Blocking the Space
Unlike the organic washes of my landscapes, color here is used as a structural element. Blocks of red, yellow, or green act as counterweights to the black ink lines. They define the negative space, turning the “Void” into a solid form. These compositions are reminiscent of architectural blueprints or urban maps.
Bone Structure (Gu Fa – 骨法)
Why “Construction”?
In the 6 Principles of Chinese Painting (established by Xie He 谢赫 in the 6th century), the second principle is Gu Fa Yong Bi 骨法用笔 —”Bone Method using the Brush.” This means the stroke must have structural strength. My Abstract Ink Construction series is a modern meditation on this ancient principle. I strip away the “flesh” (the wash, the water) to reveal the “bones” (the structure) of the painting.
Collecting Calligraphic Constructivism Artwork
Original artworks from this series are available for acquisition. You can explore the current collection at my Main Studio Shop or internationally at Saatchi Art.
For deeper insights into the philosophy of modern Shan Shui 山水 and the techniques used, visit the Art Journal.
Leave a Reply