The Lillies
Zao Wou-ki
1953
- Year：1953
- Medium：Oil on canvas
- Dimensions：80 × 59 cm
Introduction
Recognized as one of the “Three Musketeers” of Chinese artists in France, Zao Wou-Ki made a distinctive appearance in the 20th-century world of abstract painting with a style that seamlessly fused Eastern and Western traditions, full of vitality. In the 1950s, Zao was inspired by Paul Klee to embark on an exploration of abstract form, caught at the crossroads of the East and West, tradition and the avant-garde. In The Lilies, a transitional work from this period, the lines of the petals and stems reveal the distinct brushwork sensibility of Chinese ink painting. The subdued colours and vast, deep background space reflect the influence of Klee and the qualities of printmaking. From this point onward, Zao persistently sought a creative method that felt entirely his own, weaving the dynamic spirit of Chinese cursive script into his paintings.
