Calligraphy needs no sensationalizing to make it appealing

SOME SELF-PROCLAIMED calligraphers seek to profit from performances in which they sensationalize their art, but instead of being welcomed by people, their "ugly calligraphy" pieces only make people tired and disgusted. People.com.cn comments:

These "calligraphy masters" share one thing in common: They all perform their arts under the camera. When they practice "calligraphy", they always want a big audience.

Yet, instead of getting their expected welcome, their "artworks" arouse controversy, receiving more criticism than praise. A popular phrase has even emerged to describe the "artistic works" of these "calligraphers": "Ugly calligraphy".

The phrase is rather apt. There are some arts that ordinary people cannot understand, but people can still get a sense of beauty from them.

Some say these calligraphy "masters" did not do anything illegal. That is true. There is no need for the police or the judiciary to be involved. However, there is one department that should say something about these performers.

That is the Chinese Calligraphers' Association. As the top organization for calligraphers nationwide, the CCA has more than 15,000 members and is responsible for keeping calligraphy on the right track.

Quite a number of the "ugly calligraphy" performers are members of the CCA, and they use these titles when hyping up their "art". It is time the CCA regulated its members, instead of allowing them to abuse the public trust in the association.

The CCA has indeed played a role in restoring, popularizing and improving the art of calligraphy since its establishment in 1983. However, decades have passed, and China and the world have undergone earthshaking changes, especially multiculturalism and various artistic trends. Calligraphy is an art that values tradition and emphasizes skill. But that does not mean it needs to be stuck in the past. The CCA can actively inspire the exploration of modern calligraphy art that is healthy and beautiful.

We also hope the CCA will organize more activities for the public, so that they know what good calligraphy is. When the good emerges, the bad will be driven out.