In the Blind Drawing series, nudes are captured through a unique, unfiltered process: drawing in complete darkness, relying solely on touch and intuition. By removing sight, I bypass traditional techniques and tap into a deeper connection with the figure. This creates an expressive and fragmented view, pushing the boundaries of form and perception. The medium is minimal: black pen for lines, accented with felt-tip for depth. These bold strokes showcase the rawness of the process, emphasizing immediacy and structure.
Explore Wabi-Sabi Through My Art
Welcome to a visual journey into Wabi-Sabi. This deep philosophy from Zen and Japanese culture values imperfection, impermanence, and life's natural cycles.
My paintings embody Wabi-Sabi by embracing simplicity and the beauty of the incomplete. Each brushstroke captures the passage of time and graceful aging, reminding us of life's fleeting nature. Muted tones and textures evoke stillness, inviting reflection.
Zen painting parallels Wabi-Sabi's minimalist approach, suggesting the unseen and leaving space for contemplation. Rough edges and soft transitions reveal the raw, authentic beauty in nature and daily life.
Through my art, I convey peaceful acceptance of life's stages—whether blossoming or decaying—finding harmony in every moment. Thank you for joining me on this exploration of Wabi-Sabi and Zen painting. I hope these images offer reflection and calm in a fast-paced world.
Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, transience, and simplicity. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, it invites us to appreciate the natural cycle of growth and decay, highlighting the charm in things that are aged, weathered, or incomplete. In art, Wabi-Sabi often manifests in subtle, minimalistic forms—embracing the irregular and the unpolished. For me, Wabi-Sabi is more than just an aesthetic—it’s a philosophy. Through my work, I aim to capture the fleeting beauty of the moment, the quiet elegance of imperfection, and the serenity that comes from embracing the ephemeral.
Bacopa Publishing House presents a video with my paintings of the underwater world. It is a compilation of works on a topic that I have particularly devoted myself to over the last 3 years.
Zen paintings by Friedrich Zettl presented in virtual interior. Text in English.
Discover the unique art of Austrian artist Friedrich Zettl, who masterfully blends Zen Buddhism, Chinese painting, and calligraphy in his works. This video offers insight into his artistic background, techniques, and philosophy.
Zettl studied Sinology and spent several years at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, where he learned traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and seal cutting from renowned masters. He was the first European admitted to the Academy after the Cultural Revolution. During this time, Zettl developed a deep connection to Daoism and Zen Buddhism, both of which profoundly shaped his artistic vision.
Working primarily on paper, Zettl uses fine inks and traditional Chinese ink, developing his own innovative methods that combine Western techniques with Asian philosophies. His brushwork and composition are deeply influenced by Chinese calligraphy, which he considers one of the highest art forms. For Zettl, Zen Buddhism represents the ultimate state of mind, and he strives to express this through his mastery of brush technique and personal growth.
TV Portrait of Austrian Artist Friedrich Zettl
This feature on Friedrich Zettl, an Austrian artist, was broadcast on Chinese television and as part of the Tandem series on okto.tv. You can watch the full program in the Oktothek: https://okto.tv/de/oktothek/episode/64707ff5b2eea.
In the interview, Zettl discusses his approach to painting, his artistic concepts, and his time at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, where he studied traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and seal carving. His unique style merges Asian philosophies with modern Western influences, resulting in a distinctive and personal artistic expression.
For more insights into Chinese art and regular updates on Zettl’s work, visit his blog at: zettl.blog.
Dao and Zen
portrait paintings from the early years
gestural painting
down by the sea. recent artwork by friedrich zettl