JOHOR BAHRU: Dragons have long been revered in Asian culture as powerful, mythical creatures representing strength, wisdom, and good fortune. Combining this rich symbolism with the graceful art of calligraphy creates a mesmerizing form of expression.

Dragon calligraphy dates back thousands of years to ancient China. It emerged during the Han Dynasty and flourished under subsequent dynasties, becoming deeply rooted in Chinese culture.

The strokes and curves of calligraphy align perfectly with the sinuous forms of dragons, capturing their dynamic energy on paper or silk.

Originally used for communication and record-keeping, calligraphy rapidly evolved into a respected form of artistic expression.

Emperors, scholars, and renowned calligraphers dedicated their lives to mastering this delicate craft, often incorporating dragon motifs into their works.

Dragon calligraphy requires skilled brushwork, precision, and an understanding of the complex symbolism behind each stroke.

Calligraphers use traditional brushes made from animal hair, such as wolf or goat, and ink sticks made from pine soot.

There are various calligraphy styles associated with dragons, including the elegant kaishu, the bold xingshu, and the fluid cursive script.

Each style presents a different interpretation of the dragon’s movement and spirit, allowing artists to showcase their creativity within the boundaries of calligraphy’s structured nature.

Dragon calligraphy draws inspiration from nature, as dragons are known to inhabit various elements such as water, clouds, and mountains.

Calligraphers incorporate these natural elements into their compositions, merging the dragon’s form with beautiful landscapes, raging seas, or serene skies.

In conjunction with the Year of the Dragon, the Rotary Club of Johor Straits View (RCJSV) has invited a local calligrapher and painter Sam Cheah Soi Lan, a renowned calligrapher and painter to create different forms of calligraphy and painting with the word “dragon” for charity.

According to RCJSV, the funds raised will be used to help children with cancer and bring laughter and joy into their lives.

Soi Lan’s “Auspicious Dragons Fly Together Charity Exhibition” will be held from now until March 31 and is opened from 10 am to 6 pm at the Senso Art Gallery in Tan Xu Nian Cultural Street in the city.

Some 50 works of calligraphy art are on display and the public can visit and view the exhibition during this time.

RCJSV president-elect Brian Kuek urged the public to support this good cause by buying a painting of their choice.

“All proceeds from the sale will be channeled to a fund for cancer children,” he said.

Meanwhile Soi Lan said he had been imagining how to present various forms of the “dragon” character one year ago.

He said he had created 50 paintings and calligraphy and each dragon painting had to be unique and it was quite challenging.

He revealed that after some thought, he decided to use different calligraphy styles including cursive script, running script, official script and oracle bone script to write dragons of different shapes with ink making the dragons in his painting sometimes dynamic and attractive, with various shapes.

Brian said, “Auspicious Dragons Flying Together Charity Exhibition”, specially pointed out that painter Soi Lan specially designed and carved a unique dragon seal for the charity sale.

Rotary district governor Dr. John Chan in his address said jhe was delighted to do the finishing touches to Soi Lan’s dragon artwork, symbolizing the beginning of the calligraphy exhibition.

He stressed that Rotary marks its 119 anniversary this year and since its inception, every member of the Rotary has been dedicated to serving the community, hoping to make a difference in someone’s life.

“We want to give others opportunities and its not that they cannot , but they have not had a chance,” he said.

He further described calligraphy as a beautiful, but the act of giving is even more beautiful.

“Although the RCJSV is not a large organization, but they are a contended organization that does good deeds for the community.

Present for the Charity Art Exhibition ceremony were Rotary district governor Dr. John Chan and district first lady Wee Ping, RCJSV president Annie Li, president-elect Brian Kuek, Senso owner Catherine Chai, calligraphy artist Sam Cheah Soi Lan, fellow Rotarians and guests.

Those keen in knowing more about the “Auspicious Dragon Charity Exhibition” may contact Brian Kuek at: 016-783 3200.