In Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Iranian American artist Y.Z. Kami is showcasing his solo exhibition of 24 works across four sites, including the town hall, until September 24th. The exhibition is part of a program led by the Museo Novecento to show contemporary art in the city's leading cultural institutions, including Palazzo Vecchio and the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. The artist's signature works feature brooding portraits and representations of sacred Eastern architecture, often with figures who appear deep in contemplation. Mr. Kami, whose mother was a painter, began painting as a child in Iran and now lives in New York. He gained recognition in the 1990s for his depictions of young men associated with the AIDS epidemic. The exhibition aims to create an "osmosis" between the past and contemporary art, offering a different perspective on the ancient city's great artworks. Florence was the site of the recent Art for Tomorrow conference, exploring how the city can be a host for both ancient and contemporary art.
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