The first Asian exhibition of Franco-Chinese master Zao Wou-Ki’s prints opens at M+ museum, featuring over 200 works donated by his widow.
HONG KONG: An exhibition dedicated to the print works of Franco-Chinese artist Zao Wou-Ki opened on Saturday.
Hosted by Hong Kong’s M+ museum, it marks the first time his print work has been displayed in Asia.
The exhibition features a collection of more than 200 experimental prints and bibliographic books, donated by his widow, Françoise Marquet-Zao.
Zao Wou-Ki is considered a master of the lyrical abstraction movement, with his paintings commanding vast sums at auction.
Visitors can explore his artistic evolution in chronological and topical order.
The journey begins with his early figurative works and pieces inspired by Chinese calligraphy.
It progresses to an explosively colourful series of abstract pieces based on his vision of the elements: earth, wind and water.
Also on display are Chinese inks and engravings created for poems by his friends Henri Michaux and Rene Char.
Born in China in 1920, Zao discovered art through his grandfather’s passion for calligraphy.
He moved to Paris in 1948 after studying at the Hangzhou Fine Arts Academy.
Art director Yann Hendgen from the Zao Wou-Ki foundation said the artist had a clear ambition in Paris.
“He didn’t want to be considered as a Chinese painter, or to make chinoiseries,” Hendgen said.
“He wanted to be a painter as Soulages,” he added, referencing French artist Pierre Soulages.
Zao, who died in 2013, had a special relationship with Hong Kong, where Western and Chinese influences converge.
M+ Curator Mo Wan noted his 1958 invitation to teach in the city for one semester.
“He had a long lasting influence on the Hong Kong culture scene,” Wan said.
That visit marked his first return to Asia since moving to Paris, allowing him to reconnect with Chinese culture.
Following his time in Hong Kong, Zao made a decisive turn towards the abstraction movement.
