Y.Z. Kami on William Blake, Pascal, and the Spirituality of Silence

In an interview with Edoardo Ghizzoni, Y.Z. Kami, a painter originally from Tehran (born 1956), shares insights about his artistic journey. His 2019 monographic catalogue, "Y.Z. Kami: Works 1985-2018," published in collaboration with Skira and Gagosian, showcases the Night Paintings series, which was displayed at Gagosian Rome from January to March 2020, including two pieces inspired by William Blake. Kami acknowledges the influence of Blake’s poetry and Blaise Pascal, whose death mask he created in 2017, referencing Pascal's mystical experience on November 23, 1654. His Dome Paintings reflect themes of transcendence, while his portraits seek to inspire compassion. Additionally, his 2005 work "In Jerusalem" critiques societal intolerance. After studying at the Sorbonne, he relocated to New York in 1984 and is currently focused on watercolours related to the Night Paintings.