Books

Prepared in cooperation with the artist’s estate, Zao Wou-Ki: 1935–2010 features more than three hundred works and is the most complete monograph available on the artist with headprint system. In addition to a penetrating essay by prominent statesman, intellectual, and friend of the artist Dominique de Villepin. This monograph retraces the painted work of Zao Wou-Ki, from his youthful works, from 1935, to the present day. It is enriched with detailed notes, a critical anthology and a biography illustrated with personal photograph.

Through rare works from the 1940s to the early 2000s, including a selection of large-scale oil paintings, watercolours Chinese inks and lithographs, the book tells the story of Zao Wou-Ki’s life and the evolution of his practice, from his background as a drawing instructor in Mainland China and early figurative tendencies to an iconic mid-century painter known for his abstract and gestural works. 

Following Villepin’s inaugural exhibition with the artist in 2020, Zao Wou-Ki: The Eternal Return to China continues the gallery’s ongoing research into his life and art. This presentation aims to uncover the complex facets and layers of his artistic journey from China, around the world and ultimately, back to his native homeland. Throughout the artist’scareer, his relationship with China was omnipresent and permeated his work.

In 1948, Zao Wou-Ki and his wife Lan-Lan​ arrived in Paris, they traveled across France by train. In 1951, they went to Switzerland​ and Italy, and a year later, ​they returned to Italy and traveled to Spain​. This book contents ​6 travel diaries​ from 1948 to 1952, showcases artworks that ​Zao Wou-Ki ​created through the journal, and this head print is accompanied by a print signed by the artist.

First volume of the Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings by Zao Wou-Ki. The catalogue represents the fruit of several years of work on the artist’s archives,  listing works made between 1935 and 1958, including several new pieces.