Xu Bing Square Word Calligraphy

Xu Bing has designed a calligraphic system known as Square Word Calligraphy in which English words come to resemble Chinese characters. Like a linguistic breeder, the artist combines Chinese calligraphy with English writing to create a new "species". Learn about the Square Word Calligraphy system created by Xu Bing and David Kelley, where English words are written in square shapes using Chinese-like symbols.

See examples, alphabet charts, links and more. Square Word Calligraphy An example of Xu Bing's 'Square Word' calligraphy, combining Latin characters into forms that resemble Chinese characters. The word pictured is ' wiki '.

From 1994 he started a new project, in which he adapted Latin alphabets into the shape of hanzi. Square Word Calligraphy Xu Bing continued to work with the written word after his move to the USA in 1990. After years of preparation, he created Square Word Calligraphy, which he often calls New English Calligraphy as he transforms English words nearly beyond recognition in the style of Chinese characters.

Using traditional ink work techniques, the characters again appear to be Chinese at. Square Word Calligraphy, developed by internationally recognized contemporary artist Xu Bing starting in 1993, is an innovative method of writing English by combining strokes in a structure similar to Chinese characters. Xu Bing was born in 1955 in Chungqing, in Sichuan province.

He studied traditional bookbinding and calligraphy at the Beijing Academy of Fine Arts, and left China shortly after the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. Since late March 2025, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has partnered with renowned Chinese artist Xu Bing to present "Eying East, Wondering West - Square Word Calligraphy Classroom". This innovative exhibition is hosted at the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMOA) and extends to public installations at MTR stations, including Sheung Wan, Admiralty, [].

Square Word Calligraphy is a form of writing Xu Bing began developing in 1993, in which English is written to resemble Chinese characters. This writing system highlights the interplay between Eastern and Western cultures, aligning with Hong Kong's vibrant cultural tapestry. Xu Bing is best known for a set of hybrid characters that's been christened 'Square Word Calligraphy'.

It is best described as characters that, on the surface, resemble classical Chinese calligraphy that's often used in seals. However, closer inspection reveals that these characters are actually English words and letters. Xu developed this unique and exceptional script to express the.

Xu first transformed an exhibition space into an interactive classroom to promote his newly developed calligraphy in 1994. Exhibited worldwide and now at the HKMoA, his installation Square Word Calligraphy Classroom is an immersive experience allowing the audience to learn, practise and write Square Word Calligraphy.