Was a Chinese-French abstract painter celebrated for his dynamic and lyrical compositions, which combined elements of Eastern and Western artistic traditions. Born in Beijing, China, Zao's artistic journey took him from his native country to Paris, where he became associated with the École de Paris and emerged as one of the leading figures in post-war abstract art.

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Zao's watercolor paintings are characterized by their bold, sweeping brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and a sense of rhythm and movement. He had a remarkable ability to create works that seemed to pulsate with energy and emotion, evoking the vastness of nature, the mysteries of the cosmos, and the depths of the human experience. Zao's works often blend abstraction with elements of calligraphy and traditional Chinese ink painting, imbuing them with a sense of lyricism and spontaneity.

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Throughout his career, Zao's art underwent several stylistic phases, reflecting his ongoing exploration of form, color, and space. He was deeply influenced by the landscapes of his native China, as well as the avant-garde art movements of Europe, including Fauvism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism. Zao's paintings are characterized by their sense of freedom and experimentation, as well as their ability to transcend cultural boundaries and speak to universal themes and emotions.

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In addition to his watercolors, Zao was also known for his oil paintings, prints, and works on paper, as well as his large-scale murals and tapestries. His works have been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Grand Prix des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chinese Ministry of Culture.

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Zao's legacy as one of the greatest abstract painters of the 20th century continues to inspire artists and art lovers around the world. His works are held in major museum collections, and his influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists who continue to explore the possibilities of abstraction and expression.