Empress of Night is a zine created by artist Marcel Dzama in conjunction with his eponymous 2025 solo exhibition at David Zwirner Los Angeles (June 28–August 8). This richly illustrated, limited-edition publication features close‑up details of new and recent works—including ink, pearlescent-ink, watercolor, and graphite pieces—set among dense, dreamlike nightscapes.
With references to Francisco Goya and surrealist poet Federico García Lorca, among others, the zine explores parallels between historical periods of turmoil and our present moment, and touches on themes of ecological fragility and authoritarianism. With recurring figures like animals, dancing jesters, and celestial motifs, Empress of Night captures Dzama’s nocturnal imagination and allegorical storytelling, offering a poetic and timely reflection of hope amid unrest.