Interactive art the qi of calligraphy: dance and imprint

Abstract

In Chinese calligraphy, the concept of promoting the circulation of qi enables Chinese characters to express the essence, qi, and spirit of the calligrapher through the proper use of force and speed. As a result, the emotions and soul of the calligrapher are recorded in a work of Chinese calligraphy. In Cursive, a performance by internationally renowned Taiwanese dance company, Cloud Gate Dance Theater, the dancers try to figure out the copybook works of famous ancient Chinese calligraphers. Through dance, they attempt to reproduce the essence, qi, and spirit of these calligraphers along with the qi and rhythm within Chinese calligraphy, and re-integrate them with the force and beauty of modern dance. Focusing on reproducing the essence, qi, and spirit of a calligrapher, the interactive mechanical installation work, The Qi of Calligraphy, utilizes clear imagery of copybook works by famous ancient Chinese calligraphers. Operated by a robotic arm and a brush-like extension, a spotlight moves and shifts to reproduce the works of a copybook. With the form and rhythm of a trajectory, it depicts the copybook, jing (strength). Playing with the works game-like features, viewers utilize both hands and their bodies to chase after the trajectory of the spotlight of the mechanical arm, resulting in a dance along with the rhythm of the copybook. And, when viewers are able to touch the spotlight, the image of their bodies are imprinted onto the luminous wall, enabling the points in Chinese character to be displayed on the wall. In the end, the relationship between viewers bodies and the machine is presented along with an intertwining of their bodies with the copybook. As a result, body and qi are merged together.