Eric Fertman's latest work stems from his love of traditional Chinese writing forms. The slogan of this calligraphic series is “turn garbage into treasure” (bian fei wei bao in Chinese), a famous quotation of Chairman Mao. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The history of the written language in China spans an unbroken five thousand years. Fertman's efforts therefore represent a minor but distinct threat to one of the most ancient systems of knowledge the world has ever seen. Rather than embrace the beautiful complexities of the language the artist chooses to focus on its most superficial aspects.

The random lines and splatters which mar his text, the so-called messy style (or hun shu), mock the energy and spontaneity of Chinese cursive-style calligraphy, imposing heat and unwarranted enthusiasm to the composition. The hot-dog-like characters (xianchang shi shufa, "sausage writing") scattered throughout reinterpret the rigidity and order of individual brush strokes a farce (ying chao shi, "soggy but stiff"). Even the traditional seals found on Chinese paintings have been corrupted by Fertman. Where once they served to critique the works they adorned, Fertman uses them to express his love of inane shapes- notice especially his use of the inverted teardrop and partial biscotti. Brush strokes overlap these wishful stamps, applied before the paintings were even finished, arrogantly proclaiming them "soulful" or "shiny"!

Nobody familiar with traditional Chinese ink-and-paper art forms would say that Fertman has created “calligraphy", but those whose knowledge of China is limited to American-style Chinese food will immediately recognize it as such. Neither is correct; there is no right answer. This is the genius of Fertman Shifu– blending, changing and annoying all. To find them hanging on a restaurant wall would surprise no one, not even the artist.

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Along with these works Eric has also interviewed artist and printer Takuji Hamanaka in story 04: My Bow-legged Master. You can expect to see more contributions from Eric in the coming issues of PetiteMort as he one of the most regular contributor or to PM to date. In January 2004 Eric's sculpture will be on view as part of the "In Practice: Special Project Series" at the Sculpture Center in Long Island City. More info on Eric's art can be found at efstudio.org.