Zao Wou-Ki

One of Zao's most iconic series is his Hurricane (1959–1960), where swirling, gestural forms seem to capture the raw, elemental forces of nature. The painting’s dynamic energy, along with its use of vivid colors and broad, calligraphic brushstrokes, speaks to his deep engagement with both Chinese ink painting and the European abstract expressionism of artists like Pierre Soulages and Hans Hartung. Zao's work often feels like a conversation between cultures—his use of traditional Chinese brushwork seamlessly merging with the boldness and freedom of Western abstraction.

Zao’s signature style evolved over the years, moving from early figurative works to increasingly abstract compositions. His large, expansive canvases, such as 12.08.68 (1968), convey a sense of cosmic vastness, filled with layers of texture and depth. His careful application of oil paints—sometimes using palette knives and other unconventional tools—creates a dynamic, tactile surface that pulls the viewer into the scene. The interwoven layers of color and space in his work evoke a dreamlike, meditative quality, one that invites contemplation of both the external world and the inner self.