#Japan #Tokyo #Art Exhibition #KOTARO NUKAGA #Keita Morimoto

Keita Morimoto's Solo Exhibition: "What We Told Ourselves"

Keita Morimoto is set to showcase his solo exhibition titled "what we told ourselves" at KOTARO NUKAGA in Tennoz, Tokyo, from January 17 to March 7, 2026. This exhibition promises to enthrall art enthusiasts with its unique perspective on modern urban life through the masterfully crafted artworks of Morimoto, highlighting the subtle stories hidden within the commonplace realities of our daily environment.

An Artist with Vision

Morimoto's artistry is distinguished by his ability to transform ordinary urban scenes into extraordinary narratives. He employs dramatic contrasts of light to elevate mundane moments into captivating stories, inviting viewers to engage with the familiar in unfamiliar ways. His previous exhibitions, including large-scale shows in prestigious venues like the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa and Kunsthal n in Copenhagen, have enhanced his standing in the international art scene. Moreover, his collaborations with United Arrows and Beauty & Youth gained considerable attention, showcasing his versatility and creativity beyond conventional art spaces.

Exhibition Overview

The exhibition will open with a reception on January 17, from 16:00 to 18:00, featuring the artist in attendance. The gallery hours are set from 11:30 to 18:00 (Tuesday to Saturday), with Sundays and public holidays closed. At KOTARO NUKAGA, visitors will encounter over 15 remarkable paintings, including large-scale works, that make intricate references to Baroque art and early 20th-century American realism.

Highlights of the Exhibition

Capturing the Ordinary

Among the highlights is Morimoto's new large painting "Where We Once Stood" (2025), which embodies the artist's signature style of transforming everyday scenes with artificial light sources like streetlights and neon signs. This piece eloquently captures the transient moments that many overlook, eliciting a sense of nostalgia and shared experience among viewers.

Immersive Installations

Additionally, the exhibition will debut Morimoto's first-ever installation titled "Fragmented Night" (2025), inviting attendees to step into a contemplative space where a vending machine glows amidst darkness, embodying the intersection of his paintings and reality. This interactive experience is designed to evoke deep engagement with the art.

A Landmark Exhibition in Tokyo

This showcase marks Morimoto's significant return to Tokyo after his expansive exhibition "A Little Closer" in the summer of 2023. His work continues to explore the intricacies of society, reflecting on the unnamed locations that become stages for personal stories, all while encapsulating a deeper understanding of the everyday world.

Unique Collaborative Merchandise

In conjunction with the exhibition, exclusive collaborative merchandise with United Arrows will be available, including stylish caps, versatile tote bags, and foldable umbrellas featuring Morimoto's artwork. These items not only represent innovative designs but also serve as a way for art lovers to take a piece of the exhibition home with them.

About Keita Morimoto

Born in 1990 in Osaka and a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, Morimoto's artistic journey has taken him from Canada back to Tokyo. His work is recognized for blending techniques from traditions such as Baroque and classical genre painting, skillfully integrating light within the harsh realities of modern consumer culture. Morimoto's artworks have been exhibited in renowned venues like the Toronto Contemporary Art Museum, the K11 MUSEA, and the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art.

Experience the extraordinary narratives of urban life through the lens of Keita Morimoto. This exhibition is a crucial opportunity to engage with his evolution as an artist and witness the stories that resonate deeply within our shared human experience.