RIVER FLOWS IN YOU

A doyen of traditional Chinese calligraphy with the genius to create his own stroke, Jameson Yap is a titan unto himself, and his art speaks to the soul.

- SWAROOPINI NAIR

For over two millennia, Chinese calligraphy is art beyond words-a graceful fusion of ink and brush where each stroke transcends language. Visual poetry, to understand the works of a master is to understand the poetic fusion of movement and meaning. After all, each stroke is a testament to centuries of artistic evolution.

Malaysia-born yet internationally renowned, Jameson Yap is an artist who found his calling through this medium of traditional Chinese calligraphy. The reason he stands out? Yap has both evolved and paid respect to the artform over the years. His creations transcend languages, cultures, and religion as he modernises calligraphy for the present-day audience, all while creating his own strokes-known as River-stroke that was shared at the Vancouver Art Gallery, where his work debuted on the international stage.

In an exclusive interview, PRESTIGE gleans insight into his art process, the thought and deliberation that went into creating his own form of calligraphy, as well as his latest art series, 'Evergrowing', inspired by his travels through Japan. Articulate in his thought yet inspired in his words, Jameson Yap is well on his way to becoming a national treasure, and we look forward to watching his rise there.

Calligraphy is a rich yet laborious artform, what drew you to artistically move towards that medium?

I would say Chinese calligraphy chose me rather than the other way around. My journey began at the age of five, under the guidance of my grandfather. Learning calligraphy with him wasn't about the art initially it was about spending time with him. He would tell me stories about his life and his deep respect for the craft, and those moments became our shared ritual.