User:Stin

Stijn Zijlstra

Stijn Zijlstra
0928745
Graphic Design

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Mimicking Calligraphy

Calligraphy (from Greek: καλλιγραφία) is a visual art related to writing. It is the design and execution of lettering with a broad tip instrument, brush, or other writing instruments. A contemporary calligraphic practice can be defined as, "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious, and skillful manner" ^[1]

The Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) is one of the most popular fine arts of Japan. Calligraphical works are appreciated not less than products of painting. But this kind of the fine arts possesses also philosophical sense. In the simplest understanding the calligraphy is an art to write beautifully. The master creates a work of art by bamboo brush and inks on the rice paper. It transfers harmony and beauty. The parity of simple and graceful is embodied in calligraphical works as one of main principles of Japanese aesthetics wabi sabi. There is nothing casual in Japanese calligraphy. The beginning, the direction, the form and the ending of lines, the balance between elements are important for each line and point, and even the empty space testifies about many things. The hieroglyphs are harmonious, proportional, balanced.^[2]

But as technology is advancing does that mean that algorithms will be able to analyse art and replicate it? Even creating their own variants and showing a degree of originality resulting in the traditional craftsmen being superfluous?

In CGP Grey's video "Humans Need Not Apply" he talks about the revolution of mechanical muscles making human muscles less in demand. And how developers of automation are constructing mechanical minds to make human minds less in demand as well.

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