In memory of the late calligrapher Ma Zhenghao

Time flies like lightning, and so does the passing away. The New Year's bell is approaching. At this time four years ago, Teacher Ma Zhenghao left us forever due to a sudden illness.

? Mr. Ma is a famous calligrapher in Yichang. Born in Shanghai in 1947, he learned calligraphy at the age of 4 and studied under the famous calligrapher Ren Zheng. His calligraphy is famous for his cursive calligraphy. His works are solemn and mellow, and his style is full of free and easy style. Most of the signboards of many well-known buildings or shops in Yichang were written by Mr. Ma. The most famous one is the four gilt characters "Guomao Building" on the top of the main entrance of the Guomao Building in the center of the city. It has been more than 20 years since the establishment of the Guomao Building. For many years, its building has been one of the oldest buildings in Yichang. It can be said that Ma Lao's words have witnessed the historical changes of the city. I have admired Teacher Ma for a long time, but because I have been away from home all year round, I have never had the chance to meet Mr. Ma. Until one time, at the invitation of a friend in Yichang, I made a few Buddhist seals as gifts. I don’t know where he sealed the seals and hung them in his gallery. I accidentally saw them by Teacher Ma. Teacher Ma actually thought of these seals. He was interested and expressed his love for me, and he mentioned me in casual conversation. This is how I became destined to be with Teacher Ma. When my friend told me about it, I was really ashamed, because although I like calligraphy, painting and sealing, I am just arty and professionally a layman. It is indeed a good thing to be praised by Ma Laomiao.

? The fate between people is very wonderful. Once we form a connection, it becomes easy to meet each other. After that, Mr. Ma and I met several times at friends’ places. Mr. Ma's humility and frugality left a deep impression on me. He often wore an old white jacket, which may have been the work clothes issued by the 403 Factory where he was a senior engineer. He had a pair of thick glasses on the bridge of his nose. His glasses are often covered with gray stains, and his short black and white hair hangs casually on his forehead. Before he spoke, he heard his hearty laughter. I still remember the first time we met, Teacher Ma enthusiastically held my hands, like a friend reunited after a long absence.

? Teacher Ma is very open-minded and very respectful to everyone. He once asked me the meaning of "quietly illuminate and forget to seek". "My business is to stay calm and to forget to seek." I explained it from a Zen perspective. The so-called "quiet to shine and forget to seek" means to cleanse all distracting thoughts and let go of the attachment to the outside world. When the spirit becomes very clear and transparent, The heart is like a crystal mirror, which can clearly reveal the essence of things and is also a kind of awareness of the heart. Teacher Ma seemed to approve of my explanation, and later he inscribed on the fan page "Jingzhao Wangqiu". Unfortunately, this work was not written by me. I also chatted with Teacher Ma about calligraphers in Hubei, and I suddenly thought of Huang Liang, a veteran in the calligraphy world. I said that Huang Liang had a couplet, which read: "Let people be weak unless you are weak. Don't be isolated when you succeed." This couplet is very consistent. Your style. Teacher Ma nodded slightly, thoughtfully. He did not answer, but there seemed to be a hint of loneliness in his expression. I thought, if Mr. Ma had not left Shanghai, what would he be like now? There may be some heartache for Teacher Ma in this.

? Teacher Ma is always humble and polite in dealing with others, and it can even be said that he puts himself very low. He often calls himself a "bad old man". Whenever there is a calligraphy and painting activity, he always comes quietly and stands quietly behind the crowd to appreciate it. Among the crowd, he is simple and honest, and seems to have nothing to do with calligraphers. He has no regard for others. Mr. Ma doesn't care about the neglect.

Although Mr. Ma is already senior and respected in the Yichang cultural circle, he does not have any honorary titles. Mr. Ma is willing to support younger generations and is willing to be a green leaf in the literary world. Many calligraphers in Yichang were mentored by him, but he never regarded himself as a teacher. He always encourages other people's calligraphy works and never makes judgments. For those who like his calligraphy, Mr. Ma always welcomes them, responds to their requests, and is very casual about his rules. Because of this, Mr. Ma's life is also very difficult. Later, I accidentally saw Teacher Ma riding an old bicycle on the way to school for my grandson. Since I came to Wuhan, I have received calligraphy books written by Teacher Ma from my friends, and I have never had the opportunity to ask Teacher Ma for advice. Pass. I always felt that the days were still very long and there were still many opportunities to meet Teacher Ma. I didn't expect that impermanence would come so suddenly. Before I could say goodbye, Teacher Ma left in a hurry. Yan Shu's poem says: "Time is always limited, and it is easy to lose one's soul when parting easily, and wine feasts and songs are infrequent. The mountains and rivers in the eyes are far away, and the falling flowers and wind and rain are more damaging to the spring. It is better to pity the people in front of me." Every time I think of this, my heart Deplore.

? I heard that Teacher Ma passed away very peacefully, and I felt a little comforted. I only hope that Teacher Ma can be friends with lotus flowers in the majestic pure land, with pen and ink as his companion, and flourish freely in heaven and earth!

? Liu Songlin

? January 17, 2019

Introduction to Ma Zhenghao:

? Ma Zhenghao, born in Shanghai in 1947 , whose ancestral home is Yin County, Zhejiang Province. Graduated from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, he is a well-known calligrapher in Yichang, Hubei Province, and served as a senior engineer at the State-owned No. 403 Factory. Unfortunately, he died of a sudden illness at home on January 18, 2015, at the age of 68.

? Ma Zhenghao’s father is a well-known photographer in Shanghai and has close contacts with the famous calligrapher Mr. Ren Zheng.

He has been influenced by his parents since he was a child. He learned calligraphy from Mr. Ren Zheng at the age of 4. His works are mainly cursive, mixed with Yanli, with smooth and vigorous brushwork, vigorous pen and ink, and uneven filing. The writing style echoes Gu Pan, and the calligraphy style has ups and downs. , the momentum is straight down, filling the paper, free and elegant, yet simple and solemn. It arises with spontaneity and is made from the heart, thus forming a unique artistic style of his calligraphy.

? His calligraphy is widely respected in Yichang calligraphy circles. Many gilded plaques of well-known local buildings and businesses are written by him, such as: "Guomao Building", "Dagongqiao Passenger Terminal", "Fourty Three Theaters” and so on. He also wrote the titles of more influential local picture albums, such as the "Hong Kong Return Stamp Series" issued by the State Post Bureau, the "Three Gorges Project River Closure Commemorative Album" printed by the Three Gorges Development Corporation, and dozens of other picture albums. His works have been published many times by media such as People's Daily and Calligraphy News, and some of his works have been collected by major memorial halls, museums and other institutions.

Appreciation of Ma Zhenghao’s calligraphy works (part): (Some pictures are provided by Mr. Li Zhi)