Biography
Friedrich Zettl is an Austrian artist who specializes in painting, graphic art, and calligraphy. He began his artistic career with Western painting, mostly oils.
He pursued his interest in Chinese culture and art by studying Sinology and conducting research at the Academy in Beijing (CAFA). During this period, he shifted his focus to Chinese painting and wrote his dissertation on an aspect of this art form.
Zettl was the first European to have the opportunity to study at the Central Art Academy in Beijing after the Cultural Revolution. He explored Chinese painting further and completed his dissertation on it. Zettl had previously shown his works in Western style, especially expressionist oil paintings, in Europe. However, after learning about traditional Chinese painting in theory and practice, he changed his perspective and integrated Asian thinking into his work. His brushwork and composition are influenced by the technique and philosophy of Chinese calligraphy. He also has a close affinity with Daoism and Zen Buddhism, which are reflected in his work.
Zettl works mainly on paper and uses fine inks and ink. He has developed his own techniques that combine Western media and Asian concepts in novel ways. His influences include Arnulf Rainer, Huang Binhong, Oskar Kokoschka, and Max Ernst. Zettl has exhibited his works in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Europe and Asia.
He has also published or illustrated several books on Chinese art published by oe.g.c.f and Bacopa Verlag. Friedrich Zettl is a member of the Austrian-Chinese Friendship Association (ÖGCF), which organizes various events and exhibitions about China in Austria. He has given several lectures and presentations about Chinese art, especially Chinese painting and seal cutting, at the ÖGCF and the Confucius Institute of the University of Vienna.
He lives and works in Vienna. Friedrich Zettl is a versatile and innovative artist who builds a bridge between the Western and Eastern worlds. He is always looking for new inspirations and challenges.
Influences
Arnulf Rainer, Huang Binhong, Oskar Kokoschka, Max Ernst
Education
The artist at work
Solo Expositions
1992 Verbandsgemeinde Birkenfeld Birkenfeld, Birkenfeld, Germany
1992 Verbandsgemeine Herrstein Herrstein, Herrstein, Germany
1990 friedrich zettl à bruxelles Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
1989 Kulisse, Wien Wien, Wien, Austria
1988 Presshaus Wien Wien, Wien, Austria
1987 BAWAG Wien Wien, Wien, Austria
1984 UNO Headquaters Peking Beijing, Beijing, China
1983 Peking Central Academy of Fine Arts (now CAFA) Beijing, Beijing, China
1982 Cafe Zentral Wien, Wien, Austria
1981 Ergo Nachtatelier Wien, Wien, Austria
Collective Expositions
2022 Group exhibition at Hong Art Museum of Contemporary Art Chongqing, Sechuan, China
1995 Kunstraum Lilo Berka - Georges Holper Wien, Wien, Austria
1983 Central Academy Beijing, China Peking, Beihing, China
1980 Ergo - Nachtatlellier Wien, Wien, Austria
1976 Bona Mente Wien, Wien, Austria
