About TZL8
Rishi Verma - is a Los Angeles based NASA engineer and artist trained in traditional Islamic patterns. His art seeks to synthesize complex geometric forms with mind blowing concepts in science.
Sometimes in life we come across a visual experience that's so special, that makes such an impact on us, it transforms our life. This is the story of TZL8 - the story of the meeting of ancient tradition and cutting edge science.
I'm Rishi, the artist behind TZL8, and a NASA engineer with a deep passion for art, science, and the cosmos. Years ago, I walked for the first time through the halls of the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, with awe. Like so many before me, including world-renowned artist M.C. Escher who's a personal inspiration to me, the Alhambra made a major impression on me. Inside each and every room of the Alhambra, from floor to ceiling, I gazed at the complex and interwoven geometries as I walked for the first time through the grounds. I witnessed the blue, cyan, and orange hues. The vibrant motifs and floral reliefs. In the art of the Alhambra, I saw not independent pieces, but rather an interconnected whole. The complex mechanisms of art seemed to work in tandem to create a beautiful interwoven tapestry where no witness could definitively say an art piece began here or ended there. These centuries-old displays of craftsmanship connected with me deeply. In them, I saw not just mathematical precision but also artistic brilliance. I also saw parallels with contemporary scientific exploration - especially the modern-day study of the cosmos. The geometries of the Alhambra so closely connect with geometries of space & time, of the interconnection of matter & energy, and the beautiful emergence of complex life forms within the mechanistic backdrop of the Universe. In short, I saw a perfect, balanced merger of science and art.
The visit to Alhambra started a journey for me in learning Islamic art and sacred geometry. It's a journey that's ongoing. Inspired by the balanced merger of science and art in the thousand year old tapestries of the Alhambra, I hope to bring my own flavor to the art form. I hope my deep passion for science, my interest in communicating the importance of artistic and scientific pursuits, and my great respect for the masters of Islamic art and sacred geometry throughout history will connect with you too.
