ATTITUDE IN BLACK AND WHITE

Organisers

National Academy of Art, Sofia, Bulgaria

China Academy of Art – School of Calligraphy and School of Sculpture and Public Art, Hangzhou, China

 

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria. Bulgaria is a gem of the Balkans and was the second country in the world to establish diplomatic ties with China. The friendship between China and Bulgaria has stood the test of time, transcending distance and enduring.

In 1986, the Bulgarian artist – Professor Maryn Ivanov Varbanov – established the Varbanov Fiber Art Research Centre at the China Academy of Art, fostering a deep and lasting artistic and academic relationship between the two nations. To further strengthen cultural exchange and friendship, the China Academy of Art and the National Academy of Art, Sofia, Bulgaria have jointly presented this exhibition Attitude in Black and White – Exhibition of Contemporary Chinese Calligraphy and Fiber Art.

The exhibition will be held at the National Academy of Art, in Academia Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria, featuring the artistic exploration and practices of faculty members from the Calligraphy and Fiber Art Departments of the China Academy of Art. A total of 28 works from 25 artists will be on display, encompassing both calligraphy and fiber art.

As one of the oldest traditional Chinese art forms–calligraphy–reflects the Eastern aesthetic philosophy of black-and-white ink on paper, as well as the artists’ pursuit of artistic and spiritual innovation. Since Professor Maryn Varbanov introduced fiber art to the China Academy of Art, research and practice in this field have flourished. Today, fiber art has developed into an independent department at the Academy. The artworks in this exhibition showcase the legacy and growth of fiber art under Professor Maryn Varbanov's influence, alongside innovative thoughts and practices within the contemporary Chinese and global contexts.

The theme of the exhibition 经纬论道 highlights the intricate interplay of lines in both calligraphy and fiber art. These artworks create layers of visual and emotional depth, capturing a delicate balance between movement and stillness, softness and resilience. The English title Attitude in Black and White further reveals the profound connection between hand and body movements as external manifestations of inner character during the artistic process. Through the use of ink, paper, and fiber, the artists will showcase Chinese philosophical thought and humanistic spirit on the culturally rich Bulgarian soil. The duality of black and white transcends the boundaries of colour, transforming into rich textures and forms.