ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Y.Z. Kami's Night Paintings Debut at Gagosian Rome

exhibition · 2026-04-27

Gagosian Rome presents Y.Z. Kami's first solo exhibition in Italy, 'Night Paintings,' from January 18 to March 21. The Iranian-born, New York-based artist (b. 1956) showcases a series of oil paintings begun in 2017, featuring indigo and white hues that evoke a spiritual, philosophical dimension. Kami's work oscillates between abstraction and figuration, with the Night Paintings marking his deepest dive into abstraction. Known for portraits of family and strangers based on his own snapshots, Kami cites diverse inspirations: people, landscapes, architecture, and poetry. Two paintings in the show are dedicated to William Blake. Kami previously participated in the 52nd Venice Biennale curated by Robert Storr and the Parasol Unit Foundation project during the 58th Biennale. He expresses enthusiasm for exhibiting in Rome, a city he has loved since his student days in Paris and later life in New York.

Key facts

  • Y.Z. Kami's first solo exhibition in Italy at Gagosian Rome
  • Exhibition titled 'Night Paintings' runs from January 18 to March 21
  • Series of oil paintings begun in 2017, primarily in indigo and white
  • Kami was born in Tehran in 1956 and is based in New York
  • Two paintings in the show are dedicated to William Blake
  • Kami participated in the 52nd Venice Biennale curated by Robert Storr
  • He also took part in the Parasol Unit Foundation project during the 58th Venice Biennale
  • Kami cites diverse inspirations including people, landscapes, architecture, and poetry

Entities

Artists

  • Y.Z. Kami
  • William Blake
  • Robert Storr

Institutions

  • Gagosian
  • Parasol Unit Foundation
  • Venice Biennale

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Tehran
  • New York
  • Paris
  • Venice

Sources