Introduction to the Exhibition
The upcoming solo exhibition by artist Mari Kawai, titled "among them," will be showcased at the GALLERY ROOM·A in Asakusa from January 10 to February 8, 2026. This event is organized by The Chain Museum, which operates the commercial gallery as part of its ArtSticker art communication platform. This exhibition will feature Kawai's ongoing "group" series, where familiar subjects such as fruits, vessels, and limbs take center stage.
Artistic Exploration
Mari Kawai's work focuses on the intricate relationships and nuances of perception that arise between overlapping forms. Through careful attention to color, shape, size, and arrangement, Kawai explores themes of connection and multiplicity. The works featured in this exhibition are available exclusively for purchase through ArtSticker, with sales beginning on January 10 at 8:00 AM on a first-come, first-served basis.
Kawai emphasizes the ambiguity in the act of categorization itself. For instance, does a change in color transform the identity of an otherwise identical shape? How do relationships shift between inner and outer spaces of a vessel? By examining these questions, Kawai's work invites viewers to reconsider how they perceive the world around them.
Highlighted Works
In the exhibition, Kawai will primarily display her "group" series, which is rooted in an investigation of variety and similarity among groups formed by fruits and jars. The exploration of how these forms can create variability alongside their commonalities serves as a catalyst for insight into our cognitive frameworks. Kawai’s paintings exhibit a subtle depth, with layers of color and form layered in ways that evoke a dynamic multi-perspective experience for the viewer.
Her artwork encourages a reflection on the multiplicity of viewpoints that coexist within a single perspective, ultimately pushing us to recognize the uncertainties inherent in our classifications and distinctions.
About the Artist
Mari Kawai graduated from Musashino Art University with a master's degree in painting in 2012 and is currently based in Tokyo. Her previous exhibitions include "overlap" at Shoonji Temple in 2025 and "model" at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in 2018, among others. Kawai has also engaged in artist residencies, including one at Cité internationale des arts in Paris from 2019 to 2020.
In 2022, she received the KAIKA AWARD TOKYO for her notable contribution to the art community.
Venue Information
The exhibition will be held at GALLERY ROOM·A, located at 2-16-5 Honjo, Sumida, Tokyo. This venue is known for integrating art storage and hotel services, enhancing the cultural experiences of its visitors. The gallery will remain open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily during the exhibition period, providing access to both hotel guests and the general public, emphasizing art's role as a communal experience.
You can easily reach the gallery via the Toei Asakusa Line, a pleasant 8-minute walk from Asakusa Station, or 9 minutes from Honjo Azumabashi Station and Kuramae Station.
Conclusion
We invite you to immerse yourself in Mari Kawai's captivating works that convey a deep insight into our perception and interaction with our surroundings. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the richly layered themes and ideas presented in her latest collection. Join us at GALLERY ROOM·A for a remarkable artistic journey that prompts reflection and engagement with the multifaceted nature of reality.