He has already won the biennial event, which is known to be the highest competition of calligraphers in the country, five times.
Ri presented his work “Revolution is just faith” written in cursive script of Chongbong style.
The handwriting “Revolution is just faith” tells the truth that faith is indispensable to the Korean revolution which has overcome a multitude of trying ordeals and difficulties.
His work artistically represents it. Every letter and every stroke has its meaning and reveals the spirit, and thickness and thinness, emphasis and ellipsis, connection and ending and the amount of moisture are in good harmony with each other to give a vivid portrayal of the theme and idea of his handwriting.
“Ri’s handwriting has a philosophy and it is breathing,” said jury members in unison, marvelling at the “special rhythm and marked contrast that fuse into an artistically satisfying whole”.
Now Ri, in his fifties, ranks with his grey-haired teachers, masters of calligraphy.
When he was young, he was once at the crossroads of calligraphy and painting.
In fact, he liked drawing pictures from his childhood.
Born in a mountainous county in the northern highlands, he was well known for painting good pictures. During his middle school days he was a member of the art group. He continued painting during his military service, presenting his work to the art exhibition which was held as part of the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students in 1989.
Regrettably, however, he had to major in calligraphy as he entered the university after his demob.
“In fact, painting tempted me till the second year. But the more I learned calligraphy, the more I became fascinated with its profound and extensive world,” Ri recalled.
He tried hard to possess ample knowledge in order to grasp the real meaning of the words he was to write. In order to master every element of the manner of handling the brush, he practised handwriting so hard till he got cramp in his hand.
He continued to think over the detailed elements of artistic depiction by handwriting, including the choice of styles for words with different meanings, regulation of size of and space between letters, thickness and strength of strokes, selection of places of rhythm, keeping of overall balance and addition of details.
His painstaking efforts connected one link to another of the whole chain in his relentless pursuit of excellence and he cut a conspicuous figure soon after he took up teaching at the university.
“I cannot rest on my laurels. Calligraphy is one of the unique and excellent Oriental arts and among them Pyongyang calligraphic style shines like a star. It is my goal to create the best handwriting,” said Ri.
More From Pyongyang Times
Russian President Vladimir Putin appealed to all the Russian people to unite in a TV video speech on March 23. Saying that the
March 28, 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin appealed to all the Russian people to unite in a TV video speech on March 23. Saying that the
A DPRK government economic delegation led by Yun Jong Ho, minister of External Economic Relations, left Pyongyang on March 26 to
March 28, 2024
A DPRK government economic delegation led by Yun Jong Ho, minister of External Economic Relations, left Pyongyang on March 26 to
Kim Song Nam, alternate member of the Political Bureau and director of the International Department of the Central Committee of
March 28, 2024
Kim Song Nam, alternate member of the Political Bureau and director of the International Department of the Central Committee of
The 33rd April Spring Friendship Art Festival will be held in Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, on the occasion of the 112th
March 28, 2024
The 33rd April Spring Friendship Art Festival will be held in Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, on the occasion of the 112th
A delegation of the Workers’ Party of Korea headed by Kim Song Nam, alternate member of the Political Bureau and director of the
March 28, 2024
A delegation of the Workers’ Party of Korea headed by Kim Song Nam, alternate member of the Political Bureau and director of the
The delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation left Pyongyang for home on March 25 after visiting the DPRK on
March 27, 2024
The delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation left Pyongyang for home on March 25 after visiting the DPRK on
The legislative council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China adopted the national security regulations with
March 27, 2024
The legislative council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China adopted the national security regulations with
Some time ago the State Council of China published the water saving regulations. The regulations reviewed the rich practical
March 27, 2024
Some time ago the State Council of China published the water saving regulations. The regulations reviewed the rich practical
The hexagonal seven-storey pagoda at the Hongbok Temple is a historical relic located in Taesong-dong of Taesong District,
March 27, 2024
The hexagonal seven-storey pagoda at the Hongbok Temple is a historical relic located in Taesong-dong of Taesong District,
Food prices are soaring in the world market and many countries are now facing severe famine, which constitutes a serious problem
March 27, 2024
Food prices are soaring in the world market and many countries are now facing severe famine, which constitutes a serious problem
The Chinese deputy permanent representative to the United Nations appealed to the international community to ease the humanitarian
March 27, 2024
The Chinese deputy permanent representative to the United Nations appealed to the international community to ease the humanitarian
A meeting took place at the People's Palace of Culture in Pyongyang on March 25 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Architects
March 27, 2024
A meeting took place at the People's Palace of Culture in Pyongyang on March 25 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Architects
Jo Yong Won, Pak Jong Chon, Ri Il Hwan, Kang Sun Nam and Choe Son Hui, leading officials of the Central Committee of the Workers'
March 27, 2024
Jo Yong Won, Pak Jong Chon, Ri Il Hwan, Kang Sun Nam and Choe Son Hui, leading officials of the Central Committee of the Workers'
On the occasion of the school-supporting month of March, an educational aid exhibition took place in North Hwanghae Province.
March 27, 2024
On the occasion of the school-supporting month of March, an educational aid exhibition took place in North Hwanghae Province.
Working as the manager of the Sinuiju Cosmetics Factory for over 20 years, Kim Hye Yong contributed her knowledge and enthusiasm
March 27, 2024
Working as the manager of the Sinuiju Cosmetics Factory for over 20 years, Kim Hye Yong contributed her knowledge and enthusiasm
Player who hardly smiles Kim Il Gyong, who was chosen as one of the top ten players of the DPRK in 2023 again after 2022, is a
March 26, 2024
Player who hardly smiles Kim Il Gyong, who was chosen as one of the top ten players of the DPRK in 2023 again after 2022, is a
On March 20, the State Duma of Russia adopted an appeal of the Russian Federation Council to the UN and international parliamentar
March 26, 2024
On March 20, the State Duma of Russia adopted an appeal of the Russian Federation Council to the UN and international parliamentar
Making the rounds of Changde City of Hunan Province on March 19, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to ensure food
March 26, 2024
Making the rounds of Changde City of Hunan Province on March 19, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to ensure food
Kim Song Nam, alternate member of the Political Bureau and director of the International Department of the Central Committee of
March 26, 2024
Kim Song Nam, alternate member of the Political Bureau and director of the International Department of the Central Committee of
The Korean Central News Agency on March 16 released a detailed report on the successful construction of the Kangdong Greenhouse
March 26, 2024
The Korean Central News Agency on March 16 released a detailed report on the successful construction of the Kangdong Greenhouse
More Articles