Renowned artist Zao Wou-Ki is widely recognized as one of the most important figures in modern Chinese painting.

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He studied art at the Hangzhou School of Fine Arts, where he discovered the works of Paul Klee, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso that inspire him deeply. At the age of 28, he left China to settle in France, in the heart of the capital, in the lively Montparnasse district, where he frequented artistic circles and became known to gallery owners. As early as 1952, he regularly exhibited his works in Paris and abroad, joining the lyrical abstraction movement.

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Zao's distinctive style is characterized by abstract compositions featuring organic shapes and vibrant colors, evoking landscapes and elements of nature. His paintings seem to convey a sense of movement and fluidity, through expressive brush strokes and curved lines. Zao explored various mediums, such as watercolor, gouache, and oil. He worked on monumental canvases that captivate the viewer with their size and power. In addition to his painting, he also devoted himself to lithography, etching and illustrating poetry books, including those of his friend Henri Michaux.

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Zao Wou-Ki's artistic heritage is praised for his contributions to abstract art and for his ability to fuse Chinese and European influences into his own unique style.