Ink painting is now all the rage, so get out your acrylics and watercolors. Alcohol ink art, also known as 酒精墨水畫, and traditional black-ink brushwork are reshaping the definition of creativity from East Asian ancient traditions to the kitchens of do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Who or what is driving this upsurge? Alright, let’s get begun.
There is the excitement of the immediate. Instead of spending hours layering dozens of hues, only one brushstroke may tell a whole tale in ink painting. In this rhythmic dance of brushstrokes, pressure, and rhythm, careless movements can lead to stunning unintended consequences. The process of practicing is meditative in and of itself, so there’s no need for an accompanying “ommm” soundtrack. Plus, it’s incredibly inexpensive; you won’t need any special paints or mediums; all you need are some paper, ink, and brushes.
The proliferation of online education is just adding gasoline to the flames. Kyoto, Seoul, or Shanghai-based masters are available for your learning pleasure, whether you’re a midnight tapper or just relaxing with a cup of iced coffee at home. Classes cover a wide range of centuries-old skills, from portraying foggy mountain panoramas to the delicate strokes of bamboo. Not only will you learn how to paint, but you will also be led through stories of culture that have been passed down through many centuries.
Ink work has a subversive quality to it. Taking one’s time to mold an ink drop into a shape feels like a subversive gesture in a consumer-driven society. No dramatic flourishes or audacious claims are required. Rather, it’s about being there, watching as an ink blot spreads and water gives paper its life.
Primarily, ink painting takes us back to the very beginnings of art. Since its inception more than a millennium ago, it has been there for a lot longer than a fleeting fad on TikTok. Courses now pay homage to such heritage by incorporating folklore about birds, lotuses, and hazy landscapes into their curricula. In this day and age of throwaway creativity, picking up an inkbrush is like taking a long, necessary breath.