Lotus

1973

Chinese, 1899-1983

Zhang is known for his openness to experimentation while actively using orthodox Chinese methods and motifs, often fusing the two. In San Francisco during the early 1970s, Zhang experimented with lithography, in which the artist basically draws the desired image onto a stone surface with an oily compound that is then washed away with turpentine, leaving a slick residue on the stone in the pattern of the drawing. When ink is applied to the surface, the ink sticks only to those places where the oil residue remains and thus can be pressed onto paper, leaving an ink impression of the drawing. With color lithographs, this process is done in multiple layers.

Lithograph

30 x 22 1/2 in. (76.2 x 57.15 cm)

Gift of Marcy J. Golde in memory of Helen May Johnson

2012.2.5

Provenance: Collection of Helen May Johnson, probably acquired directly from the artist in Taiwan, late 1970s or 1980s; to her daughter Marcy J. Golde, upon Mrs. Johnson’s death, February 1994 until March 2012; gift from Ms. Golde to Seattle Art Museum, March 2012

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, "Chinese Art: A Seattle Perspective", December 22, 2007 - July 26, 2009 (12/22/2007 - 7/26/2009)

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