Experience the Depth of Memories at Ai Nariyama's Art Exhibition 'nonphysical reality'

Exhibition of Ai Nariyama: 'nonphysical reality'

Starting May 22, 2025, LURF GALLERY will host the highly anticipated solo exhibition of artist Ai Nariyama entitled 'nonphysical reality.' This exhibition invites visitors to delve into the intricate layers of memory and perception, exploring how our experiences transform over time.

Nariyama's work captures the essence of memories, representing them as fluid forms that rise quietly to the surface, materialized through the delicate application of paint. The artist conveys the idea that what we see does not always have to take a fixed shape. Rather than presenting defined structures or motifs, the pieces evoke a sensation of fluctuations that emerge from the fringes of perception. They invite the viewer to engage in a sensory exploration where meanings are not predetermined but unfold freely within the whitespace of the artwork.

The concept of 'nonphysical reality' embodies those intangible moments where formless experiences are given shape, urging visitors to confront the boundaries between memory and sensation, as well as ambiguity and certainty. Attendees can truly immerse themselves in this captivating experience from May 22 through June 16, 2025.

Exhibition Details

- Title: Ai Nariyama Solo Exhibition 'nonphysical reality'
- Dates: May 22 - June 16, 2025
- Location: LURF GALLERY 1F, 28-13 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0033
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Admission: Free
- Note: Works will be available for purchase.

Artist's Statement

In an era inundated by visual media, Nariyama grapples with the remnants of elusive, non-material memories that linger in our consciousness after viewing countless images. She employs tactile paints to transcribe these haze-like memories onto the immobile surface of the canvas. The nuances of her depicted memories balance between ambiguous forms and a definitive presence. Her artistic process considers whether the work elicits a sense of unsteady visual perception, influencing her approach to creating an 'unsettled image' that reflects our fragmented memory.

Works on Display

1. 'nonphysical reality #2025-2' (2025, acrylic on canvas, H1300×W1700×D35mm)
2. 'nonphysical reality #2025-3' (2025, acrylic on canvas, H1240×W1600×D35mm)
3. 'nonphysical reality #2025-4' (2025, acrylic on canvas, H1455×W1030×D35mm)
4. 'nonphysical reality #2025-5' (2025, acrylic on canvas, H950×W950×D35mm)

About Ai Nariyama

Ai Nariyama was born in Osaka in 1983 and graduated with a Master’s degree in Printmaking from Kyoto City University of Arts in 2009. Her work revolves around the concept of 'looking with suspicion,' exploring visual expression through the medium of printmaking.

Selected Solo Exhibitions

- 2024: Gallery Morning (Kyoto)
- Annual solo shows since 2009 across Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo

Notable Group Exhibitions

- 2020: Shell Art Award Artist Selection (New National Museum of Art, Tokyo)
- 2023: Osaka Art Festival (Osaka Prefectural Enokojima Cultural and Artistic Creation Center)
- 2024: SICF25 (Spiral, Tokyo)

You can visit Ai Nariyama's official website at www.ainariyama.com and follow her on Instagram @nariyama_ai.

Purchasing Artwork

Artwork purchase requests will be accepted starting May 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at LURF GALLERY. Please note that certain works may sell out prior to the exhibition's opening due to pre-sales. For more details on purchasing, check the LURF GALLERY's website or social media.

Visit LURF GALLERY for more information about upcoming exhibitions and other events. The gallery is located just a five-minute walk from Daikanyama Station, featuring a sophisticated art space where visitors can sip hand-dripped coffee and enjoy art in a charming environment.