This abstract painting by Zao Wou-Ki, '10 janvier 2001 (Zao Wou-Ki)', features a striking composition of reds and blacks, evoking a sense of calm contemplation.

Zao Wou-Ki (1920-2013) was a Chinese-French painter celebrated for synthesising Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His work is characterised by abstract forms, calligraphic elements, and a distinctive use of colour. Moving to Paris in 1948, Zao became associated with the burgeoning abstract art scene, developing a style that blended the gestural freedom of Abstract Expressionism with the philosophical underpinnings of Chinese art. '10 janvier 2001 (Zao Wou-Ki)' exemplifies his later style, marked by a simplification of form and a focus on atmospheric effect. The canvas is dominated by shades of red, ranging from deep crimson to lighter, diffused tones. Dark, calligraphic lines traverse the composition, suggesting branches or perhaps the bare structure of a tree against a winter sky. The lower portion of the painting features a pale, almost ethereal white, creating a sense of depth and contrast. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to engage with the artist's personal vision.