Exhibitions, Publications and Artistic Progress
As 2021 draws to a close, I am taking stock, as I do every year. This time I’m doing it here on the blog.
First, thank you for spending time with my not-always-brilliant ideas—and, above all, for giving me the chance to learn from you. Your art and writing have brought things to my attention that I might otherwise have overlooked. During the lockdowns of 2021, those online exchanges mattered a great deal. I don’t always have time to join the discussions, but I read and think about much more than I manage to respond to.
All in all, 2021 was a very good year for me. My social life and health were less satisfactory. I’m learning to live with the health problems; at a certain age, I suppose, some become part of the picture. My social life needs more attention from me. Travel has also fallen by the wayside, though that troubles me less.
Elsewhere, there was much to be pleased about. Publications are not usually my main concern, but this year brought several welcome occasions:
Articles on Chinese art appeared, along with some short stories from my time in China. The anthology brought together contributions from two former federal presidents, diplomats, sinologists, businesspeople and others.
The cover illustrations are by Friedrich Schiff.
Two other books included some of my early drawings. They are modest sketches, but I was happy to see them in print.
I also received a certificate of honour for my contribution to Austrian-Chinese relations.
Another part of the year went into creating a website for my art and building and maintaining this blog.
In my own work, I felt I made noticeable progress, especially in calligraphy, landscape painting, and also surrealism.
What pleased me particularly was arranging two exhibitions for 2022: a group exhibition at a contemporary art museum in Beijing in the spring, and a solo exhibition in Vienna in the autumn. I’ll write about them separately. I had hoped to travel to Beijing and see old friends, but a visit during the planned March–April exhibition now seems unlikely.
My other work, trading in antiques and collectibles, also went well. Still, I hope to bring that business to a close next year. I no longer need to keep it going. Habit, and perhaps the fear of missing something, may be what keeps me at it.
And what will 2022 bring? I don’t know, but I’m looking forward to it. There is work I want to make, and I hope there will be more chances to meet. I wish you a good year too. Cheers, 2022!
Related articles
Early Sketches · Sketches from the Peking Opera · Book Cover Design
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Original works are available on FriedrichZettl.com and Saatchi Art
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