Masterpieces are on display Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
A poster of the exhibition
Ma maison à Hangzhou
Must-see
By Daria Fominykh
You are recommended to explore the currently most talked-about exhibition in Hangzhou, where you can have a full view of the artistic legacy of Zao Wou-Ki, the renowned Chinese-French painter, at The Way is Infinite: Centennial Retrospective Exhibition, hosted at his alma mater.
Zao's art, a fusion of Chinese and Western styles, reflects his upbringing with traditional Chinese education and early exposure to Impressionism, influenced by Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. Currently, Zao's artworks are featured in 150 museums globally.
Zao's journey began in Hangzhou. He studied painting at the National College of Art (now CAA) during the 1930s and went go to teach at the academy during the 1940s. On the tenth anniversary of his deceased day, his masterpieces are found out and displayed as a memory of him. This exhibition showcases over 230 works, including 129 oil paintings in six sections, and some of his works in different styles, such as ink-wash, watercolor, woodblock printing, and porcelain.
The artist crafted a distinctive artistic style by skillfully combining oil paint, watercolor, and ink, emphasizing vivid color contrasts and bold linework. This fusion seamlessly blends gestural abstraction with traditional Chinese landscapes.
Zao's abstract paintings are in a realm between landscapes and the cosmic, using light and shade to express the very essence of the universe. By merging classical Chinese brush techniques with Western abstraction, his canvases capture the essence of both the earthly and celestial realms.
Another unique aspect of Zao's style involves embracing the "Oracle Bone Period" through the incorporation of ancient Chinese hieroglyphic scripts found on oracle bones. In his works, these symbols are scattered across imaginative landscapes, creating captivating scenes filled with dazzling color contrasts.
Time: Through February 20, 2024 (closed on Mondays), 9am-5pm
Admission: 100 yuan
Venue: Art Museum of China Academy of Art
Address: #216 Nanshan Rd
All works by Zao Wou-Ki: ⓒ Zao Wou-Ki - ProLitteris, Zurich.