In conversation with Zach Zono

“I’ve always loved the idea of paintings existing alongside people’s everyday movements, rather than only within a traditional gallery setting.”

 - Zach Zono

Zach Zono

South African abstract artist Zach Zono is known for his expressive, gestural paintings that blur the line between instinct and structure. Currently presenting works throughout Rosewood London as part of his Artist Residency, Zono’s practice is shaped by movement, atmosphere and memory, with subtle influences drawn from his upbringing in Cape Town. In this conversation, he reflects on the physicality of painting, the role of intuition in his process, and the importance of honesty and experimentation within contemporary art.

Your paintings are currently installed throughout Rosewood London. How does it feel to see your work in dialogue with the hotel?

It’s really special. I’ve always loved the idea of paintings existing alongside people’s everyday movements, rather than only within a traditional gallery setting. Rosewood has this incredible balance of calmness and energy, and I think the works respond naturally to that atmosphere. Seeing them integrated throughout the hotel allows the paintings to be experienced in a more organic and unexpected way, which feels very aligned with my practice.

Zach Zono, There's Always a Third Reason III. Rosewood London. Image courtesy of Rosewood London.

Your mark-making looks very physical. How much of what ends up on the canvas is planned?

Very little is planned visually. I rarely sketch or map out a painting beforehand. I’m more interested in reacting to the surface in real time. The process is very physical -moving around the canvas, layering, wiping away, and allowing moments to develop naturally. The paintings tend to emerge through instinct rather than control, and I think the most interesting results happen when I stop trying to force an outcome.

Your palette is often described as drawing on the light and colour of South Africa. Do you think of your work as rooted in a specific place?

Definitely. Even though the paintings are abstract, they’re connected to memory and atmosphere for me. Growing up in Cape Town, the light, colours, ocean and heat naturally became part of the way I see and respond to the world. I’m not trying to paint South Africa literally, but traces of those environments and experiences always find their way into the work.

Zach Zono, Here Today. Rosewood London. Image courtesy of Rosewood London.

What does a day in the studio look like for you?

Quite structured, actually. I treat painting as a full-time practice. I usually start in the morning and spend some time sitting with the work before I begin. I move between several canvases throughout the day, as a lot of the process is about editing, waiting, and knowing when to pull something back. Music is always playing in the studio. Some days everything flows naturally, and other days nothing seems to land, but both are part of the process.

Do you have any upcoming projects you are excited about?

I’m currently working on a few different projects that build on ideas explored throughout the residency and exhibition. Right now, I’m spending a lot of time in the studio experimenting with new approaches and materials, and seeing where the work develops next.

Monet Inspired Art Afternoon Tea, First Course. Image courtesy of Rosewood London.

The [Quick] #FLODown:

Last song you listened to?

Jacob and the Stone by Emile Mosseri

Last book you read?

Yield by Anne Truitt

Can’t live without…?

Music in the studio.

What should the art world be more of and less of?

More honesty and experimentation, and less pressure to appear as though everything is completely figured out.

Instagram: @zachzono