Live Action Writing

On Friday, September 19, 2025, from 5.30 pm, the Museum of East Asian Art in Cologne will be transformed into a fascinating stage for calligraphy and sound art. As part of the special exhibition "Ink Walks", the well-known artist Jianfeng Pan, who sees himself as a "social calligrapher", will present a unique live-action calligraphy performance.
His works, which are rooted in deeply rooted traditions of Chinese calligraphy on the one hand and develop innovative, large-format expressiveness on the other, represent a connection between culture and the individual.
This visual experience is accompanied by Finnish clarinettist Tapani Rinne, whose experimental sounds expand the calligraphic dynamics into an acoustic dimension. This intermedia encounter invites visitors to experience the connection between writing and sound in a new way.
Moderated by Dr. Shao-Lan Hertel, a subsequent artist talk will provide deeper insights into Pan's creative process and the transcultural relationships of his works. As scientific director of the museum, Hertel knows how to build bridges between art form, history and contemporary relevance. An unforgettable evening that transports art lovers and culture enthusiasts into a special symbiosis of tradition and avant-garde.