Jameson Yap (JY) is back once again at Eslite Spectrum with his latest exhibition, the Evergrowing Series. After his successful solo exhibitions in Malaysia and Canada, Yap’s work continues to evolve, reflecting his unique journey in the realm of Chinese calligraphy. This latest body of work has been in the making for nearly a decade and captures the resilience and vitality of nature.
Beginnings
JY’s artistic path began at the age of five, under the watchful eye of his grandfather. This early bond shaped not only his classical calligraphy skills but also his values.
However when his grandfather passed, JY decided to challenge the rigid rules of calligraphy and started carving out his own, distinctive style.
River Stroke
While rooted in tradition, he challenges its boundaries by breaking conventional rules. Inspired by the fluidity of water, he created his signature technique called liu su, or River Stroke, where characters are drawn in one continuous brushstroke. His innovative style includes overlapping characters and extending to the edges of the paper – practices frowned upon in traditional calligraphy.
Despite these changes, the fundamental elements of Chinese calligraphy remain the same. The essential tools – brush, ink, paper, and inkstone – are crucial for bringing the art to life and are closely connected. JY takes this connection a step further by collecting water from the mountains, believing it allows him to “borrow” the power and energy from nature.
Evergrowing Series
Ten years ago, JY embarked on an unexpected journey along Japan’s ancient Kumano Kodo, a sacred pilgrimage route steeped in history. Walking this trail felt like stepping back in time, where every tree and stone told stories of a culture closely tied to nature. This enlightening experience became a journey of the soul, resulting in personal growth and deep self-discovery in the peaceful surroundings.
It also ignited a new wave of creativity in JY, inspiring his latest series, Evergrowing. This work stands as a testament to resilience and perseverance in a world fraught with wars, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions, which often breed anxiety.
In Evergrowing, JY explores the fundamental essence of existence, emphasizing that hope always persists even amidst chaos. His art encourages viewers to confront life’s changes and challenges, seek the light, and embrace the process of growth and renewal. Like nature, we should welcome life in all its forms, and with courage, we can turn our dreams into reality.
“May the enduring beauty of life continue to flow and flourish within the Evergrowing series, nurturing the spirit of resilience and renewal, and reminding us that no matter the challenges, life’s true essence will always shine through”, JY.
Jameson Yap’s work is infused with a palpable honesty and energy that can be both inspiring and thought-provoking, even for those of us who have little understanding of calligraphy. I highly recommend this exhibition to anyone seeking a deeper connection and emotional experience through art.
We were invited by JY Calligraphy. As always, our opinions are honest and our own.
