Hiroya Kurata

LSS NYC

“Linger On”

2024 May 10 to June 23

Long Story Short is excited to present Linger On, a solo exhibition featuring the works of Hiroya Kurata, at 54E Henry St, New York, NY, 10002, from May 10 to June 23, 2024.

Linger On showcases a captivating collection of Hiroya Kurata's works, where he merges influences from Japanese Manga, Western Expressionism, and traditional landscape painting. His ability to transform everyday scenes into enchanting vistas is showcased through his vibrant use of color and meticulous painting technique. His compositions seamlessly meld the familiar with the surreal, drawing viewers into a world where reality and fantasy intertwine. For example, in "Come to My Door," a woman stands by the dock, admiring the calm water as the roof of a gazebo flips open to make a greeting to her; "Spring Fever" captures the allure of a cherry blossom tree against the backdrop of a man whose hat floats above his head.

The dreamlike quality of his landscapes, reminiscent of the ethereal styles of Charles Burchfield and John Marin, evokes nostalgia and transports viewers into a realm where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Inspired by existing imagery, Kurata electrifies mundane scenes, crafting dynamic tapestries of color and form that challenge perception.

With a distinctive manipulation of perspective and color, Kurata offers new insights and refreshing perspectives, enriched by his diverse background in both Japan and the United States, and his education from Parsons School of Design.

Born in Japan in 1980 and currently based in Brooklyn, New York, Hiroya Kurata has honed his artistic skills extensively. After earning his BFA from Parsons in 2003, he worked at a New York painting restoration studio from 2007 to 2022, dealing with a range from old masters to contemporary works. His art reflects his daily experiences and personal photographs, through which he interprets the world with his unique artistic lens.

Kurata's career includes notable solo exhibitions like "Bat Walk" at KOKI ARTS, Tokyo in 2019, and "Union St." at Monya Rowe Gallery, New York. He has also been featured in prominent group exhibitions such as "Look Again: A Survey of Contemporary Painting" at Hollis Taggart, Southport, CT, and "Spring/Break Art Show" at KOKI ARTS in 2019. His work has been recognized in curated exhibitions and media outlets like Juxtapoz magazine and the Sound & Vision podcast, where he continually reimagines familiar themes with a fresh and dynamic approach.