Gallery onetwentyeight is pleased to announce the solo exhibition by Ayane Kurai, "Journey with the Stars," opening on April 14th.
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 lights. 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.
Dates:
April 14 – May 2, 2026
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday – Friday & Sunday, 1PM – 6PM; Saturday, 1PM – 8PM
Location:
gallery onetwentyeight, 128 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002
Events:
Thu. 4/16/26 6pm-8pm - Opening Reception
Sat. 4/18/26 - Freedom of Tasting
Fri. 4/24/26 7pm - Emanuel Ruffler and friends
Sun. 4/26/26 5pm - Don Byron and David Gilmore
Fri. 5/1/26 7pm - Reg Wyns and friends
Sat. 5/2/26 5pm-8pm - Closing Reception w. DJ. SoulBrother No 4
Very Very Circus, oil on canvas, 48”x72”, 2026
