Calligraphers 20th century
Qi Baishi was a Chinese painter, noted for the whimsical, often playful style of his works. Born to a peasant family from Xiangtan, Hunan, Qi taught himself to paint, sparked by the Manual of the Mustard Seed Garden. After he turned 40, he traveled, visiting various scenic spots in China. After 1917 he settled in Beijing. Some of Qi's major influences include the early Qing dynasty painter Bada Shanren (八大山人) and the Ming dynasty artist Xu Wei (徐渭).
The subjects of his paintings include almost everything, commonly animals, scenery, figures, toys, vegetables, and so on. He theorized that "paintings must be something between likeness and unlikeness, much like today's vulgarians, but not like to cheat popular people". In his later years, many of his works depict mice, shrimp or birds. He was also good at seal carving and called himself "the rich man of three hundred stone seals" (三百石印富翁). In 1953, he was elected president of the China Artists Association (中國美術家協會).
Rupprecht Matthies is a distinguished German artist celebrated for his innovative approach to art that intertwines language and culture. His work, characterized by a deep exploration of words and their impact, bridges the gap between individual experiences and collective expression. Rupprecht Matthies' background in sociology, which he studied before delving into the arts at the University of Hamburg, informs his artistic endeavors, allowing him to craft installations that resonate on multiple levels with a wide audience.
One of Rupprecht Matthies' most notable works is the "¿Being Home?" project, showcased at the Denver Art Museum. This installation is a testament to his ability to engage communities and transform personal stories into compelling visual narratives. Through collaborations with immigrants in Denver, Rupprecht Matthies collected words that held significant personal meanings, crafting them into a vivid landscape of words using materials like wood, Plexiglas, and foam. This project not only highlights his skill in word art but also his commitment to creating art that fosters community engagement and reflection on the concept of home and belonging.
Matthies' art extends beyond installations, as he has won numerous competitions and his works are collected and exhibited both nationally and internationally. His unique approach to creating "word art" allows him to encapsulate values and concepts in physical form, making his contributions to the art world both unique and impactful.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Rupprecht Matthies' work represents a fascinating intersection of art, culture, and social commentary. His ability to distill complex societal themes into engaging visual forms makes his work a valuable addition to any collection focused on contemporary art that challenges and captivates.
If you're intrigued by the innovative blend of language and visual art that Rupprecht Matthies brings to the contemporary art scene, consider signing up for updates. This subscription will keep you informed about new product sales and auction events related to Matthies' work, ensuring you don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of this remarkable artist's legacy.
Alberto Sangorski is a British artist, illustrator, calligrapher and bookbinder.
As a young man, Alberto showed promise as a painter, but began working as a secretary for a jewelry firm in the City of London. When his younger brother Francis Sangorski founded the bookbinding firm of Sangorski & Sutcliffe in London in 1901, Alberto often visited the workshop and helped the firm with its bookkeeping. Around 1905 he became interested in this work and after a little technical training from his brother, he became an accomplished calligrapher and illustrator.
The firm of Sangorski & Sutcliffe was known in the 1920s for its luxurious gem-embellished bindings, with real gold and gemstones used in the covers. This bindery was considered the leading bindery in London and was highly successful, surviving both wars and economic depressions.
