Abstract We examine Chinese calligraphy in relation to two categories: process art and performing art. Understanding calligraphy as a process art clarifies central aspects of calligraphic practice and criticism. Calligraphers are not only interested in producing objects endowed with certain aesthetic properties; they are also concerned with the aesthetic properties of their own writing activity. Does this activity qualify as a kind of performance, and can calligraphy be considered a performing art? We answer in the affirmative but note a tension between the performative nature of calligraphy and its concern with process-values.
Ravasio et al. (Mon,) studied this question.