Lu Dadong, born in 1973, studied classical Chinese calligraphy and Chinese seal art with internationally known calligraphers, such as Wang Dongling, at the prestigious China Academy of Art in Hangzhou. He still lives and works in Hangzhou.
Lu is known as an exponent of contemporary calligraphy, a very dynamic form, which originated in the mid 1980s and has received a lot of recognition ever since. In his works Lu combines various materials and conceptual ideas, arising from his profound research on traditional Chinese art and philosophy and western art. In his experimental performances, he combines his calligraphy writing with voices and drums, drawing a link to archaic practices of shamanism. His monumental writings on walls as well as installations with painted long cloth or paper banners hanging from a wall are very impressive.
His most recent works demonstrate his intensive preoccupation with image and reflection, light and shadow, reality and illusion. However, the breeding ground for Lu's innovative art is his outstanding mastery of the 2000 year-old mental, aesthetic and technical principles of Chinese calligraphy and his deepest respect for this art.
