Selection of representative artistic works by Friedrich Zettl
On this page works are presented that show the artistic development of Friedrich Zettl. At the beginning we find works that were based on Surrealism, which was quickly followed by phases of Impressionism and Expressionism.
The great turning point is represented by the years in China and the very intensive engagement with Chinese painting. This is both research (dissertation on Chinese painting) and practical (studies at the Central Academy in Beijing).
The year 2020 represents another turning point, since abstract painting, combined with earlier experiences and theories from Chinese painting, calligraphy and the art of seal cutting, have been at the center of artistic creation.
The newest artwork ist on top of the list.
taming the beast
mixed media on paper
sheet from a series that deals with the unconscious and archetypes.
burning down the snow
mixed media on glossy paper
earlier engagement with surrealism is reflected in a new light. more
abstract landscape
ink and pastels on hand made paper
earlier engagement with surrealism and cubuism is reflected in a new light. part of a tryptich introduced HERE
composition in pink
series of paintings ink on yupo paper
series of gestural abstraction
This series combines the earliest experiences with surrealism, later with expressionism and, above all, techniques from Chinese calligraphy.
Mao poems on antique prints
In this series, ancient western prints, documents and other ephemera are overwritten with poems or quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong.
overpainted calligraphy
In this series, old Chinese poems or other texts are calligraphed over and over again.
withered leaves and blossoms
In these series, in which dried flowers and leaves are used, the main aim is to process principles of Chinese painting.
just another death
Series of portraits of Chinese people under the aspect of memento mori
lying girl
Series of drawings were made with a charcoal pencil in a dark studio and with eyes closed.
Portrait of a Chinese Girl
The newly developed style in landscape painting was also used for portraits and ened in a series of some 20 works.
dreamscapes
Series of landscape paintings with dreamlike representations.
Traditional Chinese Landscape
Of course, every painter, whether in the West or in China, has to develop his own style sooner or later. However, in order to understand Chinese painting, it is essential to copy the old masters in painting and calligraphy. Above all, in order to become familiar with the technique and composition of the important painters.
Portrait of a Chinese Peasant
This portrait of a Chinese farmer was made in Beijing in 1981. I had already worked a lot with Chinese painting techniques and tried to integrate them into western graphics.
Passers-by watch football in a shop window
In 1978, certainly strongly influenced by the painter Georg Eisler, I began to do graphics using oil pastels.
This image shows people watching a soccer game in front of a television set.
State of the art
One of my first self-portraits. The plan was to paint a self-portrait every year and to name the series “State of the Art”
Saint Maria della Salute in Venice
Title lost
Collage with snippets from old prints, mostly around 1900. A series of lithographs was made from this collage. Edition of 90 pieces.
Not only was the title forgotten, the entire edition was also lost. (2-3 sheets still exist).
Some of my artwork is now listed at saatchi