Unknown Chinese ex-pat painter?

January 23, 2006 at 05:30 PM

Many (~17?) years ago, I went to a museum exhibit (Houston, perhaps?) by a modern Chinese ex-pat painter living in the EU (France, perhaps?). I am really sketchy on the details (hence I'm asking here), but I seem to recall he was old (60s or more) or perhaps even deceased at the time. He was well-known in his adopted country, though.

I was really struck by his work. They were huge pieces, like maybe 8'-10' x 4'-6'. A lot of explosive bright colors on dark backgrounds - like explosions in space. Often titled with "spacelike" names or cosmic themes.

Anyhoo, does anyone have any clue who this might be? I've been looking for him ever since as I cannot recall his name.

January 24, 2006 at 04:19 AM

Ah, I see that you are talking about the famous Chinese painter Zao, Wou-ki (also Zhao, Wuji 赵无极) in France, who is also one of Ieoh Ming Pei (贝律铭)’s good friends. Zao is famous for his unique artistic idea “painting lights 画光”.

For more details, please check the links below:

http://kaladarshan.arts.ohio-state.edu/exhib/gug/indxs/tran/tranpaintpgs/C4171M.html

www.china.org.cn/english/international/80951.htm

Thanks!