Triangular Network Model for the Neural Basis of Calligraphy

Calligraphy is the artistic expression of written language, similar to how songs artistically express verbal language. This article proposes a triangular-network model for neural processing of calligraphy, which builds on recent findings about the neurophysiology of writing and theories about neural processing of other art forms. This model emphasizes that calligraphy appreciation relies on both visual spatial features and temporal motoric features of the actual or mentally simulated writing process. While the appreciation of visual spatial features may engage neural mechanisms encoding other visual arts, the appreciation of temporal motoric features may engage a prediction-based mechanism-the brain actively predicts the writing movement, and the fulfillment or violation of these predictions generates pleasure, similar to how predictions may contribute to music appreciation. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that practicing calligraphy enriches the motoric representation of writing by directing attention to otherwise subconscious movement units, similar to how dancing is mindful movement. The triangular-network model provides a theoretical framework for neural encoding of calligraphy, generates testable predictions, and forges a link to neural encoding of other art forms.