Selection of representative artistic works by Friedrich Zettl
This page presents key works that show Friedrich Zettl’s artistic development. At the beginning of his work, some works are based on surrealism, soon followed by phases in which the main focus was on impressionism and expressionism.
The big turning point came during the years in China and Zettl’s intensive involvement with traditional Chinese ink painting. This was achieved through research (dissertation on Chinese painting) and practice (studying at the Central Academy in Beijing).
2020 marks another turning point. Abstract painting, combined with earlier experiences and theories from Chinese art, calligraphy, and the art of seal carving, is now at the center of artistic creation.
The newest artwork is on top of the list
river deep mind high
“river deep mind high” is an abstract painting with different inks on yupo paper.
down by the sea
mixed media on paper
sheet from a series that deals with my “metaverse” conception
my metaverse
mixed media on paper
keywork from a series that deals with my “metaverse” conception
meditating with my friends, the stones
mixed media on paper
sheet from a series of abstract surrealism
VIDEO with similar paintings
corona and the sea
mixed media on paper
sheet from a series that deals with the unconscious and sheet from a series that deals with the covid-19
landscape in corona mode (II)
mixed media on paper
sheet from a series that deals with the covid-19
composition in red and black
mixed media on paper
sheet from a series that deals with 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.
VIDEO with calligraphy by Zettl
withered leaves and blossoms
In these series, in which dried flowers and leaves are used, the main aim is to process the principles of Chinese painting.
VIDEO with similar bookmarks
just another death
Series of portraits of Chinese people under the aspect of memento mori
lying girl
A 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 ended 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, to understand Chinese painting, it is essential to copy the old masters in painting and calligraphy. Above all, 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.
VIDEO with portraits by Zettl
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 1976
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 were made from this collage. Edition of 90 pieces.
Not only was the title forgotten, but the entire edition was also lost. (2-3 sheets still exist).