Inspired by Zao Wou-Ki

Zao Wou-Ki was born in 1921 in Beijing. He is known for his large scale canvases which delicately intertwined Asian and Western artistic techniques. He combined his Eastern heritage and his study of calligraphy with Western contemporary abstraction and traditional oil painting techniques. 

The artist is influenced by a wide influx of movements. In 1948 Zao moved with his wife to Paris to become more involved in the artistic scene there. His first exhibitions were met with praise from influential artists like Pablo Picasso and he would go on to meet and work with artists like Joan Miró and Alberto Giacometti. He was equally inspired by the Pop Art movement during his brief stay in New York, although took away more elements from the abstractionist artistic scene. Combining all these elements with his training in Calligraphy and his experimentation with Indian ink, he created the style he is known for today. His work continues to inspire contemporary artists, of which we have curated the best for you to explore.