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Zao Wou-Ki Biography
Zao Wou-Ki, born in Beijing on February 1, 1920, was a Chinese-French painter who achieved international acclaim for his unique fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His name, Wou-Ki, meaning "no limits," aptly encapsulates his boundless approach to art, transcending geographical, cultural, and stylistic boundaries to create a body of work that resonates with universal beauty and truth.
Zao's early life was steeped in the arts. His family, with roots in Dantu, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, recognized his talent early on, and he began formal artistic training at the age of fifteen at the newly established National Academy of Fine Arts in Hangzhou. There, he was taught by Lin Fengmian, Fang Ganmin, and Wu Dayu, who were instrumental in shaping his foundational skills in both Chinese ink drawings and Western-style paintings.
In 1948, Zao made a pivotal move to Paris, which would become his home for the majority of his life. This relocation was driven by his desire to immerse himself in Western art and to further his artistic development. He quickly became a part of the city's vibrant art scene, exhibiting his works at galleries and forming friendships with influential artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Joan Miró, and Sam Francis. His early exhibitions in France were met with praise, and he drew the attention of notable figures like Picasso.
Zao's work underwent a significant transformation after his move to Paris. Initially influenced by artists like Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso, his style evolved from figuration towards abstraction. This shift was further catalyzed by his discovery of Paul Klee's work, which inspired him to incorporate abstract symbolism and signs into his paintings, leading to his "Oracle Bone" period in the 1950s.
The 1950s were a time of personal and artistic exploration for Zao. He traveled extensively, including a significant visit to the United States in 1957, where he encountered Abstract Expressionism. This experience, coupled with his meetings with artists such as Franz Kline and Adolph Gottlieb, inspired him to develop a bolder style that integrated American action painting with lyrical abstraction.
Zao's career was marked by continual innovation and a deep engagement with the natural world. His paintings, often named with the date of their completion, are characterized by dynamic compositions, powerful brushwork, and a profound sense of movement and energy. He sought to capture the elemental forces of nature, creating works that evoke the birth of light, the origins of water, and the life energy that emerges from these primordial elements.
Throughout his life, Zao received numerous honors and accolades. He became a French citizen in 1964 and was appointed to prestigious positions such as Officier de la Légion d'Honneur in 1984, progressing to Commandeur in 1993 and Grand Officier in 2006. His contributions to the arts were recognized globally, and his works were exhibited in leading international museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Guggenheim Museum, and Tate Modern.
Zao's personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy. He was married three times, with his first marriage to composer Xie Jinglan ending in divorce. His second wife, actress Chan May-Kan, became a successful sculptor under his influence but tragically committed suicide in 1972. In 1977, he married Françoise Marquet, who later became the president of the Zao Wou-Ki Foundation.
In his later years, Zao suffered from Alzheimer's disease, which eventually led him to stop painting. He spent his final years in Switzerland, where he passed away on April 9, 2013, at the age of 93. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and art lovers around the world, as his paintings remain a testament to the power of cross-cultural dialogue and the boundless potential of artistic expression.
Zao Wou-Ki Quotes and Sales of
Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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