Running Script and the Pursuit of "Authenticity"

Zhen (真), which translates to "authenticity," "genuineness," or "truth," is a crucial element in the practice of Running Script (行书). It refers to the calligrapher’s commitment to expressing their true self, their real emotions, and their unique artistic vision in their work. The pursuit of authenticity is a key element in good artistic expression.

Authenticity in Running Script means that the calligrapher is not simply copying from others or trying to create something that appears beautiful, but rather striving to express their inner self with complete honesty and openness. The goal is to allow the artist’s inner world to be made visible through their creative process. The art form becomes a reflection of the artist’s inner experience.

The pursuit of authenticity involves a deep self-awareness, a willingness to explore one's own emotions, and to allow those emotions to flow freely through the brush. The work should be a reflection of the internal landscape of the artist. The connection to the inner world is what elevates art to something more than simply technique.

Authenticity is not about abandoning tradition, but about finding one's own place within that tradition, using it as a foundation to express something truly unique and personal. The artist seeks to combine an understanding of tradition with their own unique personal vision. This creates a work that is both part of the tradition, and also something new and unique.

The pursuit of zhen is an ongoing process, a journey of self-discovery that is as important as the act of calligraphy itself. The path is often as important as the final destination. The journey of self-discovery is a lifelong one, with the goal of reaching a deeper understanding of the self.