Friedrich Zettl biography
Friedrich Zettl biography: Friedrich Zettl is an Austrian artist who studied Sinology, Ethnology, and Art History in Wien.
Furthermore he studied:
- Chinese painting, calligraphy, and seal carving in Beijing
- wrote his theses on the History of xieyi-painting in Wien and Beijing
- publishes a blog about fine arts
- gives lectures on Chinese Arts in Wien
- writes articles on Chinese Arts in Wien
- illustrates books
His name in Chinese:
弗里德里希·蔡特尔: 中文简介
Latest Exhibitions
2024 Artly Mix, Sao Paolo, Brazil
2024 Boomer Gallery, London, UK
2022 Hong Art Museum, Chongqing, China
About the Roots
I stayed, studied, and eventually wrote my dissertation on Xieyi (freehand painting). I left Western techniques behind to focus entirely on the principles of Chinese painting and calligraphy. This transition defines my art to this day.
My path as an artist took a decisive turn in China. As the first European student at the Central Art Academy in Beijing right after the Cultural Revolution, my perspective shifted completely. Before that, my work was rooted in Western traditions—Expressionism and Surrealism—and I exhibited across Europe. But the immersion in Chinese culture changed everything.
The Philosophy
Today, my work relies on ink, paper, and the discipline of calligraphy. But it’s not just about technique. Daoism and Zen Buddhism are integral to my creative process. I seek to capture the essence of a moment and the dynamic harmony of opposites—Yin and Yang on paper.
I try to bridge the gap between Western expressive artists like Arnulf Rainer and Eastern masters like Huang Binhong. It is a dialogue between two worlds that I have lived in.
Photos related to Friedrich Zettl biography
Featured on Chinese television and the Austrian broadcaster okto.tv. Aired 05/27/2023
Photo of Professor Wolfgang Kubin and Friedrich Zettl (toasting to a new book)
With Mag. Walter Fehlinger, Mr. Bacopa (Bacopa Publishers)
Presentation of an award for special services by former Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer
Award signed by Helmut Sohmen, Dr. Fischer, and Interior Minister Kurz
2022: Exhibition at Hong Art Museum in Chongqing, China. Supported by oe.g.c.f and bmeia
Cover article in the Guangming Daily about Friedrich Zettl
Michael Ludwig (Lord Mayor of Wien, opened my exhibition. Kosmo, Friedrich and
Prof. Gerd Kaminski, the host of the exhibition at Friedrich Schiff Gallery).
with late Ambassador Dr. Wolfgang Wolte
With Prof. Gerd Kaminski, head of the oe. g.c.f.
Photo with late Interior Minister Otto Roesch and City Council Hans Mayr
Ursula Wolte – wife of Huang Zhou – Wolfgang Wolte – Huang Zhou 黄周 (famous for his donkey paintings), and Friedrich Zettl
With former Federal President Dr. Rudolf Kirchschlaeger and wife, artist Yang Yanping and daughter, Yuezhen and Friedrich Zettl
Former Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer at the opening of the first major exhibition by Friedrich Zettl
Photograph with the young artist, Ma Desheng 马德升 one of the founding members of the Stars Group 星星美
With the important sculptor, Wang Keping 王克平, now living and working in France
About this Blog?
Art is often presented as a finished product, hanging silently in a gallery. But the thought process, the philosophy, and the history behind the brushstroke are just as important.
I started this blog to open up that conversation. Here, I write about the intersection of Eastern philosophy and modern life, the history of Asian art, and the stories behind my own paintings. It is an invitation to look behind the curtain.