Y.Z. Kami, Endless Prayers XII, (mixed media on paper), 2015 [Leila Heller Gallery, New York, NY. © Y.Z. Kami]

Y.Z. Kami  White Dome, 2014-2015  Block ink and acrylic on linen

Y. Z. Kami (Iranian, 1956), Self-Portrait as a Child, 1989. Oil and graphite on panel, in 4 parts each 80 x 30 in. Overall 80 x 120 in..jpeg

For his exhibition Night and Day at Gagosian in NYC, Y.Z. Kami is presenting two distinct bodies of work, his portrait paintings and a newer series, Night Paintings, started in 2017.

From the press release-

Each of Kami’s large-scale painted portraits depicts a single face in muted colors on an opaque ground. Frontally composed and closely cropped, Kami’s self-absorbed subjects are removed from the specificity of context. From Aïsha (2021–22) and Lu (2022) to The Monk (2022) and Woman in Dark Sweater (2022), these paintings are titled by first names or descriptions, marking a continuum between individual identity and universality. Using layers of brushstrokes to blur his subjects’ features, Kami concentrates on the ineffability of individual presence. From longtime friends and acquaintances to strangers he has met in passing, his subjects form an ensemble of varied age, gender, and ethnicity. Kami’s introspective faces also recall the Fayum portraits of Roman-era Egypt—naturalistic likenesses of the deceased that were affixed to mummies. The works in Night and Day affirm—as do their ancient precedents—the common humanity in our observation of others.

Kami’s Night Paintings are made using a single shade of indigo—said to be the color of the night—which he blends with gradations of white to summon the sensorial dynamics of presence and absence. Each canvas is filled with apparitions that float just past the limits of materiality and concrete representation. Composed with hazy, tenebrous brushwork, these abstractions evoke a mental inner state. Their shifting outlines and hazy boundaries make manifest soft edges and shimmering biomorphic patterns, enticing the viewer to recognize elements from the human realm while ultimately confounding all attempts to do so. The Night Paintings thereby limn the boundaries between the earthly and the sublime.

Messenger IV (2022), a single painting that belongs to neither series, represents a cloaked figure seen from behind, painted in a soft-focus style. The anonymous subject appears in the foreground of a crossroads, a setting of passage and transition. Kami has positioned this figure using the classical compositional device of the Rückenfigur (back-figure), with which the viewer is encouraged to identify, thus implicating him or her in the space and narrative suggested.

Contrary to the instantaneity of a photograph, Kami composes his paintings over an extended period, his nuanced brushwork built up in many layers. Consequently, they reward sustained looking, revealing their character over time and bringing awareness both to perception as a process and to contemplation of the nature of being.

Y.Z. Kami, Untitled, 2006. Oil on canvas, 132 x 74 inches

Y.Z. Kami, Light, Gaze, Presence - Museo Novecento, Firenze 03-06-2023

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Y.Z. Kami

Paul (2014) Oil on linen

Y.Z. Kami, Endless Prayers IV,

garadinervi via mr-e-gallery

by Y.Z. Kami, 2019

Y.Z. Kami UNTITLED, 1996

Photography collage of 36 inkjet prints mounted together on stretched canvas. 45 x 30 in. (114.3 x 76.2 cm)

My Manifesto: Exploring the deeper meanings of music, literature, and art.

In a world that is often consumed by the rush of everyday life, it's easy to overlook the profound meanings hidden within music, literature, and art. These subjects offer more than mere entertainment. They serve as gateways to understanding the complexities of the human experience. As I prepare to graduate with my Associates Degree, I am embarking on a journey of self-discovery, and I must recognize the importance of diving deeper into these forms of expression to broaden my perspective. 

Music, with its harmonious melodies and lyrics, has the power to stir emotions within us that we may not even know exist. It transcends language barriers and connects us on a fundamental level. When we take the time to listen attentively, we can uncover layers of meaning beneath the surface. Whether it's the haunting melancholy of a classical symphony or the raw intensity of a rock band, each composition carries a story waiting to be heard. I started to realize this when I did my analysis on the “Wish You Were Here” album cover as well as a playlist on Beethoven's influence on music today. By immersing ourselves in different genres and styles, we open ourselves up to a world of diverse experiences and perspectives.

Literature, too, offers a window into the human soul. Through the pages of a novel or the lines of a poem, we can explore the depths of human emotion and imagination. From the timeless classics to contemporary works, each piece of literature reflects the unique perspectives of its creator and invites us to contemplate our own place in the world. When I did an analysis on the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost, I realized how a poem only 20 lines long can convey such a deep meaning and perspective on self-discovery. By analyzing themes and symbols, we can uncover universal truths about love, loss, hope, and despair. Through the act of reading, we not only expand our knowledge but also cultivate empathy and understanding for others.

Art, in all its forms, challenges us to see the world through a different lens. Whether it's a breathtaking painting, a thought-provoking sculpture, or a mesmerizing dance performance, art has the power to evoke strong reactions and provoke deep introspection. Each brushstroke, each movement, carries with it the essence of the artist's vision and emotion. When I did my analysis on the painting “Endless Prayers” by Y.Z. Kami, and “The Spirit of Fort Myers” sculpture, I began to realize how a painting and a sculpture can bring out deep emotions and feelings in the viewer. I saw that something as simple as a sculpture was able to bring an entire town together after hurricane Ian. By engaging with art, we can explore complex concepts and ideas that transcend language and culture. We can confront difficult truths, challenge our assumptions, and expand our capacity for empathy and compassion.

To truly appreciate the deeper meanings of music, literature, and art, we must approach them with an open mind and a willingness to explore the unknown. We must resist the temptation to passively consume content and instead actively engage with it, asking questions, seeking connections, and reflecting on our own experiences. By embracing curiosity and cultivating a sense of wonder, we can unlock new perspectives and insights that will provide deep meanings hidden in music, literature, and art. 

In a world that is often consumed by the rush of everyday life, it's easy to overlook the profound meanings hidden within music, literature, and art. These subjects offer more than mere entertainment. We live in a world filled with endless possibilities for discovery and growth. By embracing the transformative power of music, literature, and art, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery that will shape our lives for years to come. Let us dive into the rich music, literature, and art of emotions and experiences that await us. Together, we can explore the deeper meanings and complexities of the human experience.

Y.Z. Kami, Endless Prayer XIII, mixed media on paper), 2008 [The British Museum, London. © The Trustees of the British Museum. © Y.Z. Kami]

Y.Z. Kami Black Dome, 2018

Y.Z. Kami

Untitled

Y.Z. KAMI. Light, Gaze, Presence Le opere dell’artista di origine iraniana Y.Z. Kami dialogano a Firenze con i capolavori presenti nelle prestigiose sedi che ospitano la mostra.

Y.Z. Kami Blue Dome, 2019 Digital Pigment Print on Somerset Radiant White Velvet 330gsm with 23.75 karat Gold leaf detail Courtesy Gagosian.