Aya Kawato's Solo Exhibition at GOCA by Garde
The globally recognized Japanese artist, Aya Kawato, is receiving critical acclaim for her upcoming solo exhibition titled 'Grids of Perception.' This much-anticipated exhibition will be held at GOCA by Garde, marking her first showcase in the United States. The event is scheduled to run from September 4 to October 25, 2025.
GOCA by Garde serves as an international platform aimed at introducing Japanese and Asian artists to the global art scene. Located in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, the gallery will display a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. With this initiative, GOCA aims to foster cultural exchange and dialogue through contemporary art.
The Unique Artistic Vision of Aya Kawato
Aya Kawato, born in Nara in 1988, draws from her rich background in traditional Japanese dyeing and weaving, coupled with her academic influence from her father, a neuroscientist. Kawato’s creative process delves into the relationship between control and deviation, which she embodies through her intricate grid-patterned paintings. By emphasizing subtle imperfections that arise from meticulous handwork, she challenges conventional perceptions of beauty.
Her art evokes a soft state of disorientation in viewers, achieved through optical effects and layers of vivid colors. This results in a tactile and warm exploration of geometric abstraction, bridging craft, science, and art. Her distinctive approach has earned her recognition both domestically and internationally.
Recently, Kawato served as the design director for a large-scale tapestry project featured at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, further elevating her profile. Additionally, she has collaborated with renowned brands, including Chanel and Longchamp, leading to dynamic installations in their locations such as 'Longchamp La Maison Ginza' in Tokyo and 'Longchamp Vienna' in Austria.
Exhibition Highlights
The upcoming exhibition will feature approximately 20 new paintings, illuminating the intricate interplay of control and deviation presented through Kawato’s abstract grid expressions. Visitors will be encouraged to contemplate the embedded instability and richness in the act of 'seeing'—a recurring theme in her work. Notably, a prototype of the large tapestry created for the Osaka-Kansai Expo will also be on display.
Kawato’s cross-disciplinary exploration of visual arts, crafts, and neuroscience invites attendees to engage with the nuances of perception, expanding the possibilities of contemporary art.
Exhibition Details
- - Title: Aya Kawato Solo Exhibition 'Grids of Perception'
- - Dates: September 4 - October 25, 2025
- - Venue: GOCA by Garde, 515 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
- - Admission: Free
- - Official Website: GOCA Gallery
About Aya Kawato
Aya Kawato's artistic journey began with a strong foundation in traditional dyeing and weaving, later enhanced by her studies at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 2019, she completed her doctoral studies at the Tokyo University of the Arts, focusing on abstract grid paintings informed by her exploration of 'control and deviation.'
Her exhibitions, both solo and group, have taken her across Japan and internationally to Paris, Geneva, and beyond. Significant recent exhibitions include 'Colors: The Secrets of Color from Impressionism to Contemporary Art' at the Pola Museum in Kanagawa and 'Nippon Mania. Contemporary Art from Japan' at Kunsthaus Kaufbeuren in Germany.
Her work has been collected by prestigious institutions, including Chanel and the University Art Museum of Tokyo, and has undertaken various commissioned works for notable events, reinforcing her status in the contemporary art world.
About GOCA by Garde
GOCA by Garde represents a significant endeavor by GARDE, a branding and design firm with a global network dedicated to innovative spatial design. Located in Chelsea, New York, GOCA aims to curate and showcase both emerging and established artists, contributing to the cultural fabric of one of the world's leading art hubs. With a mission to create a dynamic space for art lovers and foster dialogue through art, GOCA by Garde is shaping new pathways for artistic expression.
For more information about Aya Kawato and her works, visit her
official website and explore the exciting offerings at GOCA by Garde.