Tag: Fine Arts
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Nature’s Calligraphy: The Art of Seeing
We see how we think. What occupies our mind directly shapes our vision. In this post, I share a series of photos of ducks and swans that document my artistic shift from visual abundance toward minimalism. By observing waterfowl in their natural environment, you can trace what was driving me at the exact moment I…
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Visual Response to “The Last Rag” by Soundeagle
Can you translate the “ragged time” of a contemporary piano piece into a visual language? Following a casual comment on a previous article, I took on the challenge of graphically interpreting soundeagle’s composition. Moving away from traditional calligraphy, I chose to take the word “rag” literally—creating an aesthetic of use where soft, faded layers of…
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Light as State of Being: Light in Painting and Contemporary Ink Art
“Light as State of Being” explores the depiction of light in painting – from the academic studio through the Impressionists to my own attempt to make Ur-light and cosmic light tangible in images.
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When the World Shatters
This article explores the systemic collapse of our modern world, where the high art of diplomacy is being replaced by the “right of the strongest” and international institutions are systematically undermined. From the razed olive groves in Gaza to the manipulation of global financial markets through leveraged options, the text examines how greed and the…
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Before I Gotta Go: Minimalism, Dreams and Surreal Ink Painting
“Before I gotta go…” is an article about a new series on dreams, marking a deliberate departure from minimalism in favor of abstract depth. It introduces the concept of the “Oneiric Divide”—visualizing not the story of a dream, but the raw energy it leaves behind—and offers a glimpse into my upcoming dialogue on “Dot and…
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Don’t let the Old Man in
Don’t let the old man in is more than just a song title; it is a directive for maintaining an open spirit against bitterness. This article explores that mindset by contrasting striking political imagery with the artistic independence of my 2025 Yearbook, proving that staying young is a matter of attitude, not age.
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Dao and Zen again: Applying Eastern Philosophy to Contemporary Ink Painting
Tao and Zen, along with minimalism, became my focus during a forced pause due to illness. This short article shares how fever dreams led to abstract works that explore the tension between Yin and Yang—an attempt to artistically grasp our world, which has been thrown off balance.
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Autumn Reflections
Autumn Reflections explores the connection between poetry, calligraphy, and painting through a series of original semi-haiku.
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Terra Dystopia
Terra Dystopia, a new series of artworks, serves as the starting point for an essay on the core characteristics of a dystopian society, questioning how many of these once-fictional traits have become our reality.
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The Abundance of Modesty
Delving into Daoist philosophy and the pictographic wisdom of Chinese calligraphy, this article unpacks the ancient proverb that “Modesty Brings Abundance” (謙受益). Grounding this profound concept in personal experiences, the author reflects on how the humility of an “empty vessel” allows one to receive a true overflow of friendship, knowledge, and spiritual wealth.
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Cracks in the Silence
“Cracks in the silence” is about our fractured times and the eroding foundation of global rules and humanity. I initially wanted to write a political article about this rising pressure and fading reason. But I discarded the idea—those who would read it already know how the game is played. In this post, I reflect on…
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Would You buy a used Car from this Man?
“Would you buy a used car from this man?” This isn’t just a provocative question; it’s the title of what is likely my first, and probably last, article focusing on political topics. Breaking my own blog’s golden rule, I dive deep into the unsettling power of images and words, and how they actively sculpt new…
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State of the Art 2025
State of the Art 2025 is my contribution this year to an ongoing series of “self-portraits.” For years, these pieces have documented my creative journey, reflecting the current status of my work.
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Spring Potpourri
Spring potpourri. Embrace spring! My latest post shares moments of peace found in nature’s embrace, as well as delicious seasonal delights.
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Nothingness in Color
Nothingness in Color continues the thought experiment that began with the journey to the Zen master—evolving beyond monochrome, embracing color, and preserving the essence of minimalism
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The Gift of the Green Snake
“The Gift of the Green Snake” might sound like clickbait, but it carries a ring of truth. In this post, I share a few new drawings inspired by a recent Wu Opera performance I attended in Vienna. The show was a revelation that brought back memories from forty years ago, when I lived at the…
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Goodbye to the Winter
In traditional Chinese painting, the unpainted white space is often considered more important than the black ink. In this post, I challenge this balance of opposites by painting on black paper, shifting the focus so the unpainted black areas demand special attention. I share three new abstract works that explore the journey from winter’s darkness…
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Depression: A Journey Through the Long Winter.
A long, seemingly endless winter is finally behind me. I tried to channel this extended dark period into my art, looking deep within myself. In this post, I share these new works. They are not a collection of horrors, but rather a creative passage through the cold and darkness before the promise of spring brings…
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Meditation of the Zen Master
In this third and final part of our journey to the Zen Master, I share key insights into my understanding of Zen. Using my artwork, I explore these concepts and the essential balance of opposites that shapes both Zen and Dao. We also continue our playful experiment with AI analyzing the images, focusing on the…
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Journey to the Zen Master
In the second part of our journey to the Zen Master, I reflect on what originally sparked this project: my past experiences traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway. I share an unexpected photo that connects to part one and explain why I discarded my initial concept of depicting a child’s journey. Instead, as the series progresses,…
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The Journey to the Zen Master
In the first part of our journey to the Zen Master, I reflect on my five-decade philosophical connection to Zen and Daoism. Since I do not have a physical master, this journey is purely a mental exercise. In this series, I attempt to capture an abstract experience through my artwork, highlighting the essential balance of…
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The Dao of Annual Planning in 2024
A look at annual artistic planning and how creative priorities evolve over time. The article reflects on long‑term projects, shifting focus, the balance between structure and intuition, and the ongoing process of aligning artistic goals with personal development.
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Emperor Hui Zong: When Rulers Still Loved Art
A reflection on Emperor Hui Zong’s unique artistic vision, his elegant brushwork, Daoist‑inspired aesthetics and the refined cultural atmosphere of his court. The article explores how his sensitivity, poetry and innovation shaped Chinese art and continue to resonate today.
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Discovering the Beauty in the Ugly
In my last article, we explored the concept of wabi-sabi. Today, we take a step further using photos from my recent trips to test the boundaries of our aesthetic sensibility. The images I am sharing are not meant to highlight misery, but rather to find beauty in the seemingly ugly aspects of life. It is…
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Blind Drawings: Artistic Expression in Darkness
“Blind Drawings” is an experimental series of over twenty charcoal works created in a completely dark room with my eyes closed. By intentionally removing light from the process, I bypassed conventional techniques to explore the essential balance of opposites—light and darkness, conscious control and pure intuition. In this post, I share how embracing this sensory…
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Theme and Variations
In the series “Theme and Variations about a Blossom in Autumn,” the delicate image of a fading blossom takes center stage, offering an allusion to the graceful aging of a young lady.
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Daoist Aspects in My Paintings
A deep dive into Daoist influences in contemporary ink painting, focusing on emptiness, opposites, Zen elements and the interplay with quantum‑physics concepts. This article reflects on Nothingness, minimalism, perception and the resonance between philosophy and artistic practice.
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What is Reality? What is Nothingness?
What is reality? Our understanding of it constantly evolves—from once believing the Earth was flat to now observing the universe through the Hubble Space Telescope and quantum computing. In this post, I examine how modern science and different philosophical traditions perceive reality and nothingness. It is especially fascinating to see how quantum physics is beginning…
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Summer Inventory
I conduct a summer inventory twice a year to bring a sense of order to my paintings. In this post, I share a diverse collection of hidden works and high-quality “leftovers” that did not quite fit into previous articles. Revisiting and reworking these forgotten pieces reflects the essential balance of opposites—finding value in what was…
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Can We Hear a Painting?
Can we hear a painting? In this post, I explore the age-old challenge of translating music into visual art. From ancient rock paintings to Roberto Matta’s surrealist interpretations of Mozart, we look at how artists try to bridge the gap between sight and sound. Capturing this intersection is another fascinating exercise in the essential balance…
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Emptiness, Space, and Depth
Many artists explore space and depth in their work, qualities that are often less prominent in modern painting. In this post, I examine these themes and share how navigating a recent crisis led me to simplify and reduce my own art to its core. This process of release is deeply inspired by Zen Buddhism and…
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Essence in Art: Less is More
A reflection on the essence in art, exploring reduction, clarity and presence. The article examines how removing the non‑essential reveals deeper meaning, how simplicity sharpens perception, and how artistic expression becomes more direct when guided by essential qualities.
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break on through
A reflection on artistic breakthroughs and the moment when creative energy pushes beyond familiar limits. The article explores resistance, momentum, uncertainty and the transformative shift that occurs when an artist breaks through into new expressive territory.
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Delving into the Realm of Seals on Artwork
A reflection on the role of seals in artwork, exploring tradition, authenticity and symbolism. The article examines how personal seals convey identity, how their placement influences meaning, and how the practice connects contemporary work with historical artistic culture.
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Birthday present from Confucius and
I recently turned 70, which brings up the inevitable question of how to react to a round birthday. Since I don’t celebrate and skip the gifts, I’m just sharing a few thoughts on aging and a fitting joke about why being 20 in the 70s was a lot more fun than being 70 in the…
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new yearbook is out
A reflection on assembling a new yearbook, capturing artistic milestones, evolving themes and personal highlights. The article explores how a year’s work forms a visual narrative, how selection shapes meaning, and how the process reveals development across time.
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Wu Wei a Key Term. Daoist Talks (X)
Wu Wei (無為) is a Chinese term that literally means “non-action” or “non-doing” or in my opinion better: effortless action. For a long time, the West has accused the Chinese of being lazy because of misinterpreting this term. Being lazy is, of course, not the case, quite the opposite.
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day dream job
A reflection on daydreaming as a creative state, exploring drifting thoughts, intuitive imagery and gentle abstraction. The article examines how imagination flows into artistic expression, how wandering attention reveals new motifs, and how daydreams shape subtle shifts in perception.
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Between Here and There
A reflection on the threshold between here and there — between waking and dreaming, expectation and authenticity. The article explores new works from the ‘Exit’ series, dramatic scenes from the Magic Sea project, and a childlike depiction of the fever‑night creeper, highlighting how perception shifts across states and artistic intentions.
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Between Cold and Heat
A reflection on the period between cold and heat — illness, recovery and the slowed artistic rhythm that comes with it. The article presents three AI‑supported portrait sessions, thoughts on aesthetics, resemblance, and the challenges of addressing charged global topics, all framed by the attempt to ‘come back into the light’.
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a kinda yin-yang too
A reflection on yin‑yang aspects in two new ink works, contrasting abstraction and figuration as well as ego and superego. The article explores shifting visual perception through AI engagement, the dilemma of artistic self‑analysis, and a promotional video created largely with AI. It concludes with a playful fantasy graphic and thoughts on AI as a…
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When the let-go period is over
Presentation: I have chosen a work that probably does not immediately cause a “love at first sight” feeling to everybod. Plus a book presentation video.
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works on meditation
We produce tens of thousands of thoughts every day, but very few of them actually matter. This post explores the practice of meditation, dealing with a restless mind, and learning how to let our jumping thoughts simply fade away like passing clouds.
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Elements of Rhyme
A reflection on elements of rhyme within new ink works, exploring rhythm, gesture and variation. The article presents playful abstractions, shifting motifs and small studies that reveal how visual rhyme emerges through repeated movement, intuitive flow and poetic resonance.
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The Flow of Qi in Chinese Ink Painting
An in-depth look at composition, negative space, and the flow of qi in Chinese ink painting, compared with a Western ink work by André Masson.
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Wabi-Sabi, Japanese Paper & the Beauty of Empty Space
On wabi-sabi minimalism, the sensory beauty of Japanese and Chinese paper, and Tanizaki Jun’ichiro’s reflections on white space and shadow in Asian aesthetics
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What game shall we play today?
About knowing and believing. Quantum physicist Anton Zeilinger: “Sciences are good at measuring something, but cannot say anything about our being”.
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Two Links – TV Portrait and Dao Index
A brief reflection on a TV portrait broadcast in Austria and China. The post comments on diplomatic relations, long‑standing cultural ties, an updated Daoism index and a painting connected to Kokoschka’s tradition. A light mix of personal notes, context and artistic reference.
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environment and nature topic
A personal reflection on environmental destruction, political shell‑games, differing national metrics and the shock of a calculated ecological footprint. The post comments on the difficulty of addressing the topic artistically, presents two ink studies with divided scenes, cubist veils and hints of danger, and ends with a note on an upcoming TV portrait.
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Interview for TV and Stream
A personal account of filming a TV portrait for Chinese television and okto.tv in Austria. The post recalls earlier exhibitions, long‑standing cultural ties, the preparation of older works, and the three‑hour interview session at home. It also reflects on past projects in China, the atmosphere during media work, and the mix of curiosity, professionalism and…
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a poem about one of my paintings
A spontaneous collaboration with poet Dominik Alexander. The post recounts how a late‑night discovery of one of his poems led to contact, quick agreement and a new poem written freely about one of the artist’s paintings. It reflects on creative exchange, earlier collaborations, shared views on writing, and the idea of responding with a painting…
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Ego vs. Self in Daoism: A Western & Asian View
We all have an ego, but a misguided one can lead to suffering for ourselves and others. In this post, I contrast the Western understanding of the ego with the perspectives of Daoism and Zen Buddhism, and explore how an untamed ego can make even the most powerful people stumble.
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The Magic Sea
Magic Sea Opera: Even if the idea that I would like to present today might sound unrealistic or at least utopian at first, I would by no means see it as unfeasible. Namely, the idea of an opera as a total work of art, in which the visual part is the actor
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The children’s book of my last post
A brief reflection on an old children’s book project. The post recalls early drawings, the lighthearted tone of the story and the thought of bringing the material back to life after many years. It keeps things informal, mixing nostalgia with a quiet smile at past ideas.
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new horizon
A brief note on recent ink works and a change in direction. The post comments on shifting motifs, new gestures, small studies and the feeling of moving toward a fresh horizon. It keeps a light tone, touching on rhythm, reduction and the quiet clarity that comes with adjusting one’s focus.
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Criticism: Not amused with the Emperor
While my posts usually focus on art and Asian philosophy, today I am sharing a few historical examples of resistance and criticism by Chinese artists. Throughout history, figures like Su Shi used their craft to voice dissent against the system, often facing exile as a result. Although I avoid modern political issues, examining these historical…
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state of the art 2023 – a step further
A brief note on the artistic state of early 2023. The post comments on changing motifs, new studies, small shifts in rhythm and the feeling of entering a fresh phase. It keeps a light, direct tone, mixing simple observations with the calm clarity that comes from adjusting one’s direction.
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ginkgo leaves in autumn and winter
A brief note on ginkgo leaves and their unmistakable form. The post touches on their gentle fan shape, their long cultural history and the ease with which they lend themselves to ink work. It keeps a light tone, mixing simple observation with a quiet appreciation for a motif that never really loses its charm.
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About Jack
Our generation takes many internet developments for granted, but I am still enthusiastic about the unexpected connections it creates. Today, I am sharing the story of Jack—a friend I have never actually met in person. After seeing a video of my calligraphy and contemporary ink painting, he reached out to purchase a few pieces. It…
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Painting Through Winter Depression: An Ink Art Series
A personal essay on coping with winter depression through ink painting, with a series of works tracing the mood from darkness to light.
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AI Tools for Presenting Ink Art & Book Illustrations
Over the holidays, I had a detailed conversation with my son about physics, quantum mechanics, and AI. While his scientific background makes him hesitant to engage with topics like Daoism, Zen Buddhism, or Asian art theory, our discussion took an unexpected turn. When we disagreed on certain AI concepts, we let a program settle the…
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Because it’s Wednesday again…
I’ve started two new series that spill over into each other. I’ll explain how this idea came about in my next post, but today I want to present the fifth piece separately, as it is my favorite so far. It is closely connected to abstract calligraphy, Daoism, and Zen Art. The objects in this contemporary…
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Liang Kai: The Story of Eight Eminent Monks – Daoist talks (IV)
As both a painter and an art historian, Liang Kai’s “The Story of Eight Eminent Monks” holds a special place in my heart. In this post, I examine this important scroll and discuss the fluid boundaries between Daoism, Zen, and Buddhism in China. Unlike the strict religious divisions often found in the West, Chinese philosophy…
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New Works for Old Series
I have been painting a lot lately. Today, I am sharing new works that complement my ongoing series: gestural abstraction and abstract surrealism. My gestural pieces are closely tied to my calligraphy practice and contemporary ink painting. They rely heavily on Daoism and the constant balance of opposites (yin-yang) to guide the expression. Meanwhile, my…
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Jean-Michel Basquiat Exhibition at the Albertina, Vienna
Jean Michel Basquiat Exhibition in Vienna: I finally visited this important exhibition, experiencing a stark contrast between profound inspiration and artistic doubt.
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Daoist Talks (III): The Cosmos in One Dot
In this third Daoist Talk, Friedrich Zettl explores the dot as the smallest yet most powerful element of Chinese painting. Drawing on Daoist philosophy, mindfulness, xieyi and the work of Shi Tao, the essay examines how a single brushstroke can express the principles of nature, consciousness and the cosmos.
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The Dreamweaver’s Daughters: Ink Paintings on Dreams
The world of dreams has always held a special meaning for me. During my years of figurative surrealism, I focused on illustrating specific dreams. Now, working with more abstract imagery, my approach has shifted. Today, my contemporary ink painting is no longer about illustrating a dream scene, but about depicting raw states of consciousness. In…
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Daoist Talks (I): Zhuangzi’s Butterfly Dream in Ink Painting
Daoist Talks (I): While many beginners approach Daoism and Asian art theory through Laozi’s complex Dao De Jing, I find Zhuangzi’s profound and humorous stories much more accessible. Today, I revisit his famous butterfly dream—a key story about dissolving the boundary between subject and object. I also want to ask for your feedback. If you…
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two book covers and one dragon
A short look at two book‑cover designs and a small dragon sketch. The post comments on layout, colour decisions, the practical side of preparing covers and the spontaneous humour behind the dragon. It keeps the tone relaxed, mixing design notes with a touch of playfulness.
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Old Sketchbook – Early Drawings and Quiet Memories
A brief reflection on an old sketchbook. The post shows early drawings, loose lines, small studies and the quiet charm of pages that have travelled through many years. It keeps the tone simple and personal, treating the sketchbook as a companion rather than an object.
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Too Young to Die – A Quiet Personal Note
A calm note on losing someone too young. The post touches on memory, the difficulty of finding words and the quiet weight such moments leave behind. It stays understated and pairs the reflection with a small ink work that mirrors the tone without exaggeration.
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Minor, Major and a Video – A Small Musical Note
It has been another busy week. The Chinese have an idiom for this: “qí hǔ nán xià” (it’s hard to dismount when you’re riding the tiger). To step back from this hyperactivity, I am sharing a relaxing video featuring my painted bookmarks, complete with a new intro and outro. I also present a new piece…
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Gold, History, Friends, Sinology and Luxury
I am currently sorting through material to create a new series of video clips showcasing my portraits. To bring some visual luxury to the week, I also completed a new piece featuring a touch of gold leaf. Outside the studio, I attended a reading by the renowned sinologist Professor Wolfgang Kubin at the historic Café…
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Only One Picture This Time – “Rheingold”
A brief post featuring just one picture. The note keeps things simple, letting the image stand on its own without extra explanation. It’s a quiet moment, a small visual pause in between larger entries.
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Dreamtellers
The Surrealists really turned my world around. First was André Breton who opened the door to this world for me. Then came the painters like Max Ernst, Giorgio de Chirico etc.
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How We See – A Short Article on Perception
I share a few thoughts on visual perception and how our habits shape what we see. Using a hollow face illusion, Roy Lichtenstein’s sculptures, and photography by Mike Utley, I compare Western and Asian perspectives. We can see how different cultural backgrounds influence composition, such as using multiple vanishing points or focusing on the communication…
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Ophelia Painting (2022) – A Quiet Contemporary Study
A brief note on a 2022 Ophelia painting. The post comments on mood, composition and the way a familiar motif can be approached in a quiet, contemporary manner. It keeps the tone simple and reflective, paired with the finished piece.
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At Front page of Chinese Newspaper Again
The 光明日报 guangming daily has published a quite detailed report about me, and that on the front page. Last year an article about me, with a focus on calligraphy, appeared in this important newspaper,
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teaser for next exhibition
I’ve been needing a few short video clips for my work for a long time. With a little effort I was able to get something going myself, but then the result was too boring for me and I left this task to someone else.
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metaverse (V)
After my last post (metaverse IV) Schrödinger, his cat, you and I basically agreed that IS and NOT-IS can exist at the same time.
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metaverse (IV)
day & night and Schrödinger’s cat [1] I am very pleased that my postings on this topic are so well received and thank you for the general interest!After this posting today, one more on this topic will follow, but it will be easier to understand. Today it gets a little more complicated. When I present…
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metaverse (III)
the beginning and the end Short preliminary remark If I just started with my thoughts, there would be a certain danger of someone shouting: “Hey, that’s not scientific!” Two preliminary remarks are therefore permitted. All our thinking is based on previously thought and mostly we deal with premises. Such as A $100 bill has a…
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Metaverse Project Started (II)
prologue and reflections After my last 2 postings on Kabul and Pyongyang (in the broadest sense also a kind of metaverse 😊) I would like to come back to my personal metaverse today and in the following postings to come. In the first post on this topic metaverse, I presented initial attempts to devote myself…
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My Ukraine Contribution – A Small Personal Gesture
Recently, I read about an initiative for artists to paint sunflowers in response to the war in Ukraine. But I am not the type to just paint a given symbol on command. Still, artists must take a stand against barbarism. This led me to create an abstract work based on the classic dove of peace,…
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Studies for Oil Paintings – Early Ideas on Paper
A brief note on studies made in preparation for oil paintings. The post shows early ideas, loose sketches and small brush experiments that help clarify composition and mood. It keeps the tone simple and practical, treating these studies as quiet steps toward larger pieces.
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state of the art 2022
I recently resumed my annual self-portrait series, “state of the art.” Rather than a realistic likeness, these portraits reflect my current mental state and worldview. This latest piece started well, but a sophisticated scam attempt in my online trade distracted me. My annoyance led to a frustrating mistake—leaving fingerprints on wet ink, which ruined some…
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my kind of metaverse (I)
In February I started playing around with an idea, but I don’t know if it will become a series yet: It’s dedicated to the metaverse.
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Flyer for my Beijing Exhibition
Flyer for my exhibition in Beijing this spring. Honoring 50 years of cultural exchange between Europe and China.
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Cats in Chinese Painting
A brief note on cats in Chinese painting. The post comments on symbolism, traditional brushwork and the way this motif shifts between elegance and humour. It pairs the reflection with a small ink sketch that keeps the tone light and direct.
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The Meaning of a Dot in Chinese Painting & Calligraphy
On the surprising depth of a single dot in Chinese calligraphy — qi, the play of opposites, and how a beginner learns to paint with meaning.