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Organic Abstraction: The Tao of Growth

Nature as Process

Rounded brush forms, spreading colour and flower-like silhouettes connect these abstract paintings by Friedrich Zettl. The works approach growth through the behaviour of paint and the repetition of related shapes. Some remain close to blossoms or leaves; others become arrangements of dark masses and open space.

1. Forms Suggesting Growth

Microcosms of Ink

In the first group, green and yellow forms appear singly or in small clusters against white paper. Some have petal-like edges; others end in dark, feathery strokes. The work accompanied by calligraphy places a large yellow-black form beneath a compact band of writing.

Two rounded yellow-black blossom-like forms on white paper
A yellow and black flower-like form beneath Chinese calligraphy
Four green and black plant-like brush forms on a white ground
Two yellow-green blossoms with dark centres and short stems
Four green plant-like forms with dark strokes and open white intervals

2. Silhouette and Ground

Dark Forms, Open Spaces

The second group changes the relation between form and ground. Near-black silhouettes float over blue and violet fields, while a spacious horizontal sheet leaves two green-grey clusters surrounded by small scattered marks. The forms can be read as plant-like without requiring a precise botanical identity.

Four near-black blossom silhouettes over a textured blue-grey field
Three loose green-grey blossom forms on white
Dark flower-like silhouettes against a blue-violet ground with horizontal bands
Six dark rounded forms over a pale blue and pink textured ground
Two green-grey clusters and small scattered marks on a white horizontal sheet
Two dark flower-like silhouettes over a blue-grey ground

3. Controlled Accidents

Growth and Decay in Organic Abstract Paintings

The final works are more angular and layered. A pale pink composition opens around a dense dark centre; elsewhere, green strokes suggest leaves and stems. Red and ochre brush masses give the horizontal work a heavier, more concentrated rhythm.

Broad pale pink brushwork opening around a dense dark centre
Angular green washes and black strokes suggesting stems and leaves
Broad red, ochre and dark brush masses across a white horizontal sheet
Green and black plant-like forms with yellow and pink colour accents

Biomorphic Abstraction

These paintings share an interest in irregular growth with Leaves & Blossoms. The more measured structures of Calligraphic Constructivism offer a useful comparison.

Related articles: Leaves & Blossoms | Gestural Landscape | Wabi-sabi Art

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Available Artworks

Original works are available on FriedrichZettl.com and Saatchi Art