1.5.2002 is one of Zao Wou-ki's eminent works in the new millennium, a painting of tremendous force reminiscent of the deep-vaulted firmament and the unfathomable ocean. Many critics were pleasantly surprised to see that in his latest works Zao had progressed to develop an entirely new style, light and supple like a flowing melody, with rich and freely applied colors. There is even more passion and subtle emotion in his new paintings, which are overflowing with a contented and harmonious lyricism.

This oil painting was on display in two important retrospective exhibitions of the artist's oeuvre that were held in recent years. One was the Grand Retrospective at the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume in Paris, and the other was at the Dunkerque Museum of Fine Arts, titled "Zao Wou-ki: La Quête du Silence" The Paris exhibition was the second retrospective of Zao's work in the French capital after an earlier one held in 1981 at the Galerie National du Grand Palais, and the continued recognition meant a great deal to the artist. The Dunkerque retrospective was one of a series of activities, all part of the EU-sponsored event "Lille, Capitale Européenne de la culture en 2004" At the same time, the exhibition was part of the "L'année de la Chine"the year of China under the aegis of the French Ministry of Culture, making it one of the year's major art events.

Critics have labeled Zao Wou-ki's recent works "paintings of silence"and "dreams of nature"(re de nature). The following quote aptly describes the spirit of the artist's latest paintings:" Les toiles de Zao Wou-ki ne sont donc pas muettes, mais profondément silencieuses, comme un qui travaille sans relêche, regarde, et avec d'infinies précautions reprend. Parce que chaque trait, chaque touche modifie le grand tout du tableau"(D.W., La voie royale de Zao Wou-ki, Journal l'Humanité, Paris, July 2, 2002). In 2002, Zao was made a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, a great honor that marked yet another milestone in the life of this grand master of Chinese origin. Most importantly, Zao continues to set milestones in his artistic work, dazzling aficionados with ever new creations.