A calligraphy exhibition by young professionals and amateurs aims to increase appreciation for the ancient Chinese art that today is practiced less and less.

"Fusion Creation" is underway at the Liu Haisu Art Museum in Hongqiao area through January 7. It features works of the Shanghai Youth Calligraphy and Seal Cutting Assn.

"Calligraphy, the essence of Chinese ancient art, seems to be floating away from the mainstream, especially in recent years," says Dai Xiaojing, head of the Shanghai Calligraphers Assn. "The purpose of such a big exhibit is to encourage locals to once again appreciate the beauty in those lines and curves."

The exhibition, financed by the municipal government, features different schools and styles of calligraphy.

In calligraphy, the appearance of the characters may be more important than what the characters literally mean. To many Westerners, Chinese calligraphy is akin to an abstract art form in ink wash.

"Calligraphy is an inspirational art form with spontaneity," says Dai. "Perhaps that's why we don't have a systematic educational major in academies. In other words, many young people are learning it by themselves."

The only way to approach calligraphy is to imitate masterpieces of different styles, experts say, so the lines and curves of art finally become second nature.

There's a noble history of imitation in China, but many calligraphers combine their own ideas with forms of the past.

"That's the interesting part in Chinese calligraphy," Dai says. "Practicing Chinese calligraphy can sometimes overcome all the pressures and worries and be liberating."