Canadian Artist Automates Chinese Calligraphy

Derived from the Greek word Kallos (beautiful) and graphe (writing), Calligraphy is the art of beautiful lettering - One that takes some practice and dedication. While in the Western world, such painstaking lettering is reserved for special occasions like weddings and graduations, in China , older men go through great lengths etching beautiful lettering on gravel roads using giant paint brushes and water - Only to see it disappear in a few minutes.

When Quebec-born media artist Nicholas Hanna moved to China, he became so fascinated with this water calligraphy that he decided to join the movement. However, instead of hand painting each letter, he did what most westerners are good at - Automate the whole process and, place it on his trike - So that he could create works of art whilst riding along the streets of Beijing.

His calligraphy machine comprises of two large plastic jugs that are connected through a complex network of hoses and electronics to 16 solenoid valves that lie just a few inches about the surface of the road. To create his magic, he enters poems written in Chinese calligraphy onto a computer mounted on his handlebar. The computer converts the characters into a dot matrix font, feeds them to the calligraphy machine, which then selectively activates the valves as the tricycle moves, in such a way that the tiny water droplets form into beautiful characters creating short-term works of art.

Mr. Hanna, who demonstrated his yet to be named machine at the Beijing Design Week that ended on October 3rd, says that while his machine calligraphy is not as beautiful as the hand-painted one, it does generate a lot of interest and curiosity amongst the locals. As to why he would go through such lengths to create art that leaves no trace - Just because!

Resources: Gizmag.com, Danwei.com