One-Five-One-Ten : ITen Masters of Contemporary Chinese Cursive Calligraphy Born in the 1950s presents a comprehensive view of contemporary Chinese cursive calligraphy through the works of ten distinguished artists. Born in the 1950s, this generation matured during a pivotal moment of cultural transformation, when tradition and modernity intersected in profound ways. Their artistic practices reflect both a deep inheritance of classical calligraphic traditions and a conscious engagement with contemporary expression.
Cursive script (cao shu), the most dynamic and expressive form in Chinese calligraphy, has long been associated with spontaneity, rhythm, and the embodiment of the artist's inner state. In the hands of these masters, it becomes a site of continuous reinvention. Their works explore the tension between structure and freedom, discipline and gesture, history and innovation.
This volume brings together selected works from the exhibition, accompanied by artist biographies and contextual materials. It seeks not only to document an exhibition, but also to position this generation within the broader trajectory of Chinese calligraphy.
As an international publication, this book aims to introduce contemporary Chinese calligraphy to a global audience, offering an accessible yet thoughtful entry point into one of the most enduring and evolving art forms in East Asia.