Exhibition «James Lee Byars. The Perfect Question»

«The Perfect Question» brings together a collection of works by the artist James Lee Byars. It is a study that goes beyond logic. The artist’s language is a synthesis of mysticism, corporeality and performativity.

For 10 years, the artist lived alternately in Japan and the United States, so it is no surprise that influences from Japanese culture can be seen in his work. In general, the artist did not stay in one place. This nomadic lifestyle is reflected in his works, in which he combines Western art and philosophy with Eastern symbolism and traditions. We can see elements of Noh theatre and Zen Buddhism in his paintings. As a result, his vision of reality became a concentration on physical and spiritual entities.

For the exhibition, works have been selected that reflect the artist’s conceptual approach as well as his distinctive features. To emphasise this once again, the Velázquez Palace has been chosen as the exhibition space, whose symmetry highlights the monumentality of the works. The works are presented on marble, silk, gold leaf and glass, materials that harmonise with archetypal geometries.