Wei Ligang’s original life path was in the study and teaching of mathematics, with calligraphy only taking more prominence when he became president of the calligraphy society at Nankai University in Tianjin. After finishing his studies, Wei was assigned to teach mathematics at a school in Taiyuan; he later convinced the administration to let him teach calligraphy.
Wei’s math training, however, can be glimpsed in his work. His iconic ‘Wei Squares’ is a formula-based, artistically abstract interpretation of the practice squares found in calligraphy exercise books. His earlier works, which reflect running grass scripts (caoshu) on gold, hint at traditional script and his deep connection to traditional Chinese culture.
Wei has lived in Beijing since 1995. His works can be found at the National Art Museum of China and the National Museum of China in Beijing, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the former Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, the Cernuschi Museum in Paris and in the collection of Francois-Henri Pinault.
