Originally from Japan and based in New York since 1990, Kurai is an abstract painter who studied in her youth under Saburo Murakami of the Gutai group.
Utilizing oil on canvas, she employs bold colors and textured layers to reflect the emotion and humanity found in everyday life. In this exhibition, Kurai explores her personal journey with loved ones and animals she has lost, envisioning them as "stars" that remain within her heart.
As she describes "After more than a half of my life, many of the pets I have had and some people I have met have left for heaven before me. Each one has become a light in my heart and still shines with memories. Life repeats it and my heart will be filled up with flowers of tender light. The Universe is full of such lights"
Her work has been exhibited in Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, and New York, and was featured prominently at the Museu de Arte Moderna in Bahia, Brazil in 2003. She is also a recipient of the 1999 Joan Mitchell Foundation Grand Award.
Reflecting her lifelong connection to music, the exhibition will host special musical events every weekend throughout its run, featuring friends and collaborators such as Don Byron, David Gilmore and more.
Exhibition Details;
Dates: April 14 – May 2, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 16, 6PM – 8PM
Closing Reception: Saturday, May 2, 5 PM – 8 PM, w. DJ. SoulBrother No 4
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday & Sunday, 1PM – 6PM; Saturday, 1PM – 8PM
For a full schedule of music performances and additional events,
please visit
https://www.ayanekurai.com or follow @ayanekurai on Instagram.