Zao Wou-Ki: Lithographs

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. 

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.

Much of Zao's career was spent negotiating the artistic influence of his Chinese heritage and his interest in abstract art. In 1949, Zao created his first lithographs at the Paris workshop of Edmond Desjobert. The success of his early lithographic experiences triggered a 50-year practice for the artist. He was captivated by the technique, immediately intrigued by the idea of throwing color on a large porous stone, which reminded him of calligraphy on Chinese paper.

Artsper has collated a selection of lithographs by Zao Wou-Ki which intricately tie together these drastically different artistic techniques in an original and captivating way. Make one of these works your own!