The acclaimed Franco-Chinese printmaker Zao Wou-Ki's exhibition has just launched at Hong Kong's M+ museum, showcasing a remarkable range of his more experimental prints. Zao Wou-Ki is recognized as a leading figure in the lyrical abstraction movement, and his artwork consistently commands impressive prices at auction houses around the world.
This exhibition allows attendees to immerse themselves in the artist's journey by presenting his works in both chronological and thematic arrangements. Visitors can witness Zao's evolution from early figurative pieces to those influenced by the graceful strokes of Chinese calligraphy.
What follows is a vibrant collection of abstract works that vividly interpret the elements—earth, wind, and water—through the artist's unique lens. Additionally, the exhibition features Chinese inks and engravings that Zao created for poems penned by esteemed friends such as Henri Michaux and René Char.
This showcase comes to fruition thanks to a generous donation of over 200 prints and bibliographic materials from his widow, Françoise Marquet-Zao, enriching the collection significantly.
Zao Wou-Ki was born into an affluent banking family in China in 1920, where he first encountered the world of art through his grandfather's love for calligraphy. As a student at the Hangzhou Fine Arts Academy, he became fascinated with European artists, which led him to relocate to Paris in 1948 to further his artistic training and integrate into the vibrant French art community.
Yann Hendgen, the art director of the Zao Wou-Ki foundation, noted that Zao was determined not to be labeled solely as a Chinese artist in Paris, nor to produce works that were mere imitations of Chinese styles. "He aspired to create art on par with that of Soulages," referring to the celebrated French painter Pierre Soulages.
Having passed away in 2013, Zao Wou-Ki maintained a significant connection with Hong Kong, a city where Western and Chinese cultures beautifully intertwine. In 1958, he was invited to teach for a semester, and this experience left a lasting impact on the local cultural landscape. M+ Curator Wu Mo remarked, "This was Zao’s first visit back to Asia since moving to Paris, allowing him to reconnect deeply with his Chinese heritage."
Following his time in Hong Kong, Zao Wou-Ki experienced a pivotal shift in his artistic direction, fully embracing the abstraction movement, marking a transformative period in his body of work.
