Calligraphy Competition

To cultivate the inmates' character and enhance their cultural literacy and temperament, a calligraphy competition was held in July this year. The event aimed for the inmates to settle their minds through their calligraphy works, while showcasing their personal qualities in the process. The competition also served to promote the beauty of Chinese cultural arts and integrate art into everyday life.
Since the calligraphy class was established at the detention center, it has been common to see some inmates practicing calligraphy during their leisure time, copying works from ancient and modern calligraphy masters. Some inmates who participate in the calligraphy class even bring their finished works to class, asking the instructor to critique their pieces and guide them on the direction of future improvement. This proactive attitude and drive for progress can be attributed to the positive influence of the calligraphy lessons.
Warden Huang Hong-Xi stated that Chinese culture has a long history, with profound depth. Calligraphy is an art form with a rich cultural foundation, and practicing it helps develop a focused and composed attitude by following the proper stroke order and structure. The act of carefully drawing each stroke relieves stress and anxiety, balancing one's emotions. Each piece of work also allows the writer to appreciate the beauty and philosophy behind the words, understanding the spiritual values of traditional Chinese culture, and fostering a positive and proactive outlook on life.
At the end of the event, the center’s secretary invited the heads of various departments to serve as judges. The evaluation criteria were based on the alignment with the theme and content, the expression of vitality and spirit, the stroke quality, and the spatial composition. After thoughtful deliberation, the top three were selected and rewarded. As an activity deeply rooted in culture and personal cultivation, calligraphy is not just a skill to be acquired by the inmates but a vital medium for refining character and temperament. Through calligraphy, inmates can find inner balance and, in the process of reforming and reintegrating into society, discover a direction for their lives.