The Spherical Book,
1981-83

The Wand, 1989

Interested in Eastern philosophies and religions, James Lee Byars (Detroit-Michigan, USA, 1932 – Cairo, Egypt, 1997) spent long periods in Japan from 1957 to 1967, where he taught English to Buddhist monks and nuns.

Drawing upon his familiarity with Eastern cultures, but also with the most advanced scientific research, the artist developed a personal visual language based on simple forms, but with profound symbolic value, such as the geometric figures of the circle, sphere, cylinder and pyramid.

The artist adopts materials and colors that also function on a symbolic plane, such as marble, velvet, or black and gold. The meanings conveyed by Byars’ works are ambiguous, and their symbolisms are intentionally open, inviting viewers to delve into their own cultural memory.