Edward Zutrau: Painter of Satori
Edward Zutrau (1922-1993), an influential figure in post-World War II abstract painting, is recognized for his innovative fusion of Zen Buddhist philosophy and Western abstract expressionism. Living in Japan between 1958 and 1967, Zutrau absorbed the culture鈥檚 rich aesthetics and philosophies, which profoundly shaped his work. His paintings stand apart from those of his contemporaries through his use of Zen principles to create a powerful visual language to offer an immediate and deeply meditative experience.
Trained at the New York Art Students League under Will Barnet and Michele Falanga, Zutrau initially embraced New York School abstraction but was drawn to Zen鈥檚 emphasis on simplicity and presence. His minimalist works, often using only three colors, create emotional depth through restraint. Critics have noted his ability to evoke profound meaning with a limited palette, generating a sense of stillness and quietude that mirrors the principles of Zen meditation.
Key to Zutrau鈥檚 work is his use of white space, which serves as an essential element in his compositions. This surrounding emptiness, reminiscent of the Zen concept of mu, is not merely background but a dynamic part of the artwork. The blank space allows the colors and forms to breathe, creating a sense of depth and movement within the stillness. Senior Curator at the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, Jeffrey Wechsler, notes that Zutrau鈥檚 color shapes allow the surrounding space to 鈥渕eander,鈥� producing a unique interplay of presence and absence.
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Edward Zutrau (1922-1993), an influential figure in post-World War II abstract painting, is recognized for his innovative fusion of Zen Buddhist philosophy and Western abstract expressionism. Living in Japan between 1958 and 1967, Zutrau absorbed the culture鈥檚 rich aesthetics and philosophies, which profoundly shaped his work. His paintings stand apart from those of his contemporaries through his use of Zen principles to create a powerful visual language to offer an immediate and deeply meditative experience.
Trained at the New York Art Students League under Will Barnet and Michele Falanga, Zutrau initially embraced New York School abstraction but was drawn to Zen鈥檚 emphasis on simplicity and presence. His minimalist works, often using only three colors, create emotional depth through restraint. Critics have noted his ability to evoke profound meaning with a limited palette, generating a sense of stillness and quietude that mirrors the principles of Zen meditation.
Key to Zutrau鈥檚 work is his use of white space, which serves as an essential element in his compositions. This surrounding emptiness, reminiscent of the Zen concept of mu, is not merely background but a dynamic part of the artwork. The blank space allows the colors and forms to breathe, creating a sense of depth and movement within the stillness. Senior Curator at the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, Jeffrey Wechsler, notes that Zutrau鈥檚 color shapes allow the surrounding space to 鈥渕eander,鈥� producing a unique interplay of presence and absence.
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