20.5.63

Zao Wou-Ki lived in Paris for twenty-four years after arriving in 1948. Art critics often considered his work to meld Chinese art techniques with the Abstract Expressionist style (called Art Informel in France). There is also, however, a cultural tension in his works that swings between resistance and reconcilement. He thoughtfully limited the appearance of elements that might be read as Chinese in his paintings. In this work, the artist interwove bold brushstrokes with the subtle implication of a water scene, representing nature in abstract form. Wou-ki’s keen observation of light and color was distinctly removed from the enduring themes of aerial effect and tranquil transparency celebrated in Chinese landscape paintings. Ultimately, however, both cultures informed his work; the artist once said, “I rediscovered China from Cezanne.” - Chi-Lynn Lin, "Echoing Overseas" label text, Fall 2022