Dishu: Ground Calligraphy in China

The French architect, graphic and type designer François Chastanet is the international expert for unique forms of namewriting in a specific region without direct continuation or relation to traditional New York graffiti writing. The brilliant Pixação: São Paulo Signature and recently re-released Cholo Writing: Latino Gang Graffiti in Los Angeles became absolute evergreens in the field.

With Dishu Chastanet presents the first survey on contemporary calligraphic practices in Chinese public spaces. The photographic essay traces the roots of this hand writing phenomenon and its development in Chinese society and analyses in detail the do-it-yourself writing tools specially designed for street lettering.

Thousands of anonymous street calligraphers operate daily in local parks and streets. The endlessly tracing texts composed of -hanzi- signs slowly disappear as water evaporates. This phenomenon, called -dishu- (earth writing or practicing ephemeral calligraphy on the ground using clear water as ink), appeared in the beginning of the 1990s in a north Beijing park and soon spread to most major Chinese cities. This street calligraphic practice corresponds to both a socializing need and an individual search for self accomplishment or improvement.

We are especially proud to offer you the very last copies of that gem. François Chastanet was so kind to sign all of the remaining copies in stock. Don’t miss this last chance to grab a copy!

320 pages, 16 cm x 24 cm, softcover with flaps and spot varnish, signed
Author: François Chastanet
Language: English / Chinese
Release date: 2013
ISBN: 978-9185639595
Publisher: Dokument Press