short biography

James Lee Byars (b. 1932, Detroit; d. 1997, Cairo) was one of the most influential action artists and conceptual artists of his time and also a most extraordinary, enigmatic and perfectionist artist of the 20th century. "I'm a Mystic" he said about himself and was fascinated by the element of gold, which has mythical and transcendental significance in many cultures. His short-lived silent performances, in which he appeared masked and dressed in red, gold and black, were contrasted in spatial installations with monumental sculptures made of marble and sandstone in the classical forms of sphere, circle, column or pedestal.
James Lee Byars studied art, psychology and philosophy. He took part in documenta 5, 6, 8 and 9 (1972, 1977, 1987, 1992) and the Venice Biennale in 1980 and 1986.

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  • 05. Oct 05. Jan 2003
    Thin Skin Gemeentemuseum Helmond
  • 20. Jul 30. Nov 2001
    Inaugurazione Trevi Flash Art Museum