2023年9月29日新增
In my first blog post on artmajeur, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you! In the following, I will briefly summarize what you can expect on this blog and what my artistic journey is. For about 3 years, I have been showcasing my work online and writing about it regularly. So far, mainly on my blog: zettl.blog. There are also series that focus on topics related to Asian painting and philosophy, especially Chinese. I would like to do something similar here: shed light on the background of Asian painting, from the philosophy on which Asian art is based to technical aspects of painting. This should help you better understand the works that I offer on artmajeur. In my “Videos” section, there is also material available.
A brief overview of my career: I started painting in the late 1970s. Initially, I was influenced by the surrealists, later by the expressionists. When I began studying sinology (alongside ethnology and art history) in 1976, I already hoped to be able to study at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. After initial difficulties, I was able to study at this most important academy in the Asian region in 1979, as the first European since the Cultural Revolution. In addition to painting and calligraphy, I also devoted myself intensively to the art of seal carving and wrote my dissertation on an aspect of Chinese art that is mostly translated as freehand painting.
This kind of painting was essentially influenced by Daoist thoughts and can certainly be understood as applied philosophy.
We all know the term yin-yang, yet most people are not aware of how profound and far-reaching this idea shapes Chinese art.
Over time, I will delve into various aspects in more detail and occasionally attempt to shed light on one of my works from this perspective.
I am well aware that terms like “Zen” and “Tao” are used very loosely and often deviate far from their original meaning.
Therefore, it is even more important to me to convey the traditional view, which has hardly changed for more than 1000 years, and thus provide my readers with material for reflection. Whenever you have a question about it, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Enjoy and warm regards, Friedrich