Calligrapher Zhu Zhen-nan’s “Altruism” exhibition extended in Taoyuan through September 15

A calligraphy exhibition in Taoyuan has been extended through September 15 after drawing a full house of enthusiasts to a lecture and book-signing event.

“Present: Zhu Zhen-nan’s Calligraphy Exhibition” is showing at the Taoyuan Public Library’s main building. Visitors can view the retrospective, try writing with brushes on water-writing cloth and create a special library bookplate through layered stamping.

Zhu, who grew up in a fishing village on Taiwan’s north coast, has long argued that calligraphy should connect with society rather than remain an object displayed on a museum wall. He has used his work for charity, including fundraising after Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami, visiting affected areas and writing nameplates for residents. His work also supported fundraising for a chapel at the Louvre in Paris and a foundation for people with dementia. One of his pieces was selected as Taiwan’s state gift to the Vatican.

After turning 70, Zhu has shifted from pursuing a personal artistic peak toward reflecting on people and the wider world. Works including “A Harmonious World” and “Endless Words” explore relationships between humans, nature and the world through color blocks, layered brushwork, blank space and open compositions.

Zhu also warns of a decline in handwriting as people rely more heavily on keyboards. The exhibition’s hands-on area is intended to let children and adults experience brush movement and the structure of Chinese characters directly.

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Every time I write, my heart holds different people and events.