Mourning / Morning

Mourning / Morning. Denis Brown, 2007. 77 x 51 cm. 30" x 20".

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Sumi Ink on translucent Japanese tissue laid over a sheet of BFK Rives paper with the word Morning handwritten in calligraphy, which shows through from behind.. The word mourning is spelt out vertically in small type applied to the washi, just above the calligraphy. An oriental seal with the message of 'with fresh feeling' was stamped from a hand carved stone to complete the image.

There's something mournful about watching black ink slowly drip down wet paper. It forms an abstract calligraphy which seems to lament it's loss of meaning. What's the point in handwritten words, now that we have dozens of more efficient means of communication by text? Here the word mourning is presented in type.

Yet the spirit of calligraphy prevails in the expression of the mark. The word Morning, visible through the translucent veil of Japanese tissue, presents a positive idea represented by the same sound- the dawn of a new age of calligraphy. If we calligraphers finally accept the liberation of our craft from functional roles, maybe calligraphy can flourish without the kitsch decorative loops?

Purchase Details
Price: € 260 (Euros)
Unframed art on paper

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