Ink, Zen, and Modernity
Welcome to the Friedrich Zettl art portfolio. This collection documents a distinct artistic evolution, moving from early Western influences to a dedicated focus on Asian aesthetics. It is not merely a gallery of images, but a record of my engagement with Eastern philosophy. Here, you will find applied Daoism in contemporary ink painting, Zen-inspired artworks, and Wabi-sabi paintings.
The Medium: Ink on Paper
My practice currently centers on the immediacy of ink. Unlike my earlier oil paintings, which allowed for correction and layering, this ink painting portfolio highlights the unforgiving nature of the brush on paper. Every stroke captures a specific moment in time. Consequently, the work demands total presence and clarity before the brush even touches the surface.
Philosophy and Aesthetic
Philosophy drives the aesthetic you see here. You will encounter Zen-inspired artworks that seek to reduce the image to its absolute essence. I avoid decorative elements in favor of empty space and energetic structure. Furthermore, many pieces explore the beauty of imperfection and transience, resulting in series of Wabi-sabi paintings. These works accept the accidental and find harmony in the incomplete.
How to View Art Portfolio Friedrich Zettl
I have organized the portfolio into thematic groups rather than a strict chronology. This allows you to trace specific ideas—such as the balance of Yin and Yang or the abstraction of nature—across different periods of my work.
Art Portfolio Friedrich Zettl – Newer Series
Zen Paintings
– painted haiku
– Wabi-Sabi Art
new surrealism concepts
Calligraphy – traditional and modern
Gestural abstraction
hommage
mao poems on antique documents
withered leaves and blossoms
#wordlesswednesday photo project
older artworks from the beginning up to 2020
In the early years, Zettl mainly devoted himself to figurative art. In addition to landscape painting, it was above all portrait art that set the tone. From the years in China, between 1978 and 1985, techniques and philosophy from traditional painting took a central position.
Art Portfolio Friedrich Zettl – Early Series
portrait painting
landscape painting
blind paintings
the female figure
Zen Monks & Mystics: The Seekers of the Way
Fauna & Spirit: The Living Qi
Art Gallery online: shops and video channel
Zettl’s works are also available for purchase online. Both shops offer different selected works, mostly Zen-Inspired artworks and Wabi-sabi paintings as originals. Furthermore, the paintings are available as high-quality prints in all sizes.
View available works on artmajeur
View available works on saatchi
Watch the creative process on youtube-channel
Discover the Context
If you are interested in contemporary ink painting and the concepts behind these Zen-inspired artworks, I recommend visiting the Arts and Philosophy Journal. It offers a look behind the scenes of my creative process and provides the theoretical background for the images. Read the latest posts on ink painting, Zen aesthetics, and Wabi-sabi paintings to understand how philosophy translates into art.
