Japanese artist Keita Morimoto is captivating audiences at Almine Rech’s Tribeca gallery with his latest solo exhibition, “To Nowhere and Back,” on view through April 26, 2025. Renowned for his dreamlike vending machine paintings, Morimoto transforms everyday urban scenes into subtle neon-noir tableaux that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. His work invites viewers to find fleeting beauty in the mundane, offering a fresh perspective on the ephemeral allure of city life.

At the heart of “To Nowhere and Back” is an exploration of the ordinary. Morimoto’s paintings depict scenes such as a phone booth’s fluorescent hum, the warm red glow of car headlights, or the final lights of a shop ready to close for the night. These works are threaded by an interplay of light and shadow, creating liminal spaces that evoke nostalgia for simpler times. Each frame serves as a portal, inviting viewers to navigate the thresholds between the tangible urban world and a ghostly realm of recollection.

“I want the experience to be cinematic,” Morimoto explains. “The anonymous, in-between spaces I paint echo the feeling of never quite belonging. I’m drawn to how emotions can transform a familiar setting into something else entirely—something that speaks to the deeper truths of the human experience.” ([alminerech.com](https://www.alminerech.com/exhibitions/10908-keita-morimoto-to-nowhere-and-back?utm_source=openai))

Morimoto’s work is deeply influenced by his experiences in Tokyo, where the interplay of light and shadow in the city’s urban landscape serves as a constant source of inspiration. His paintings often depict scenes such as convenience stores glowing under fluorescent lights or quiet streets illuminated by solitary lamps, transforming these everyday settings into poetic narratives of light and shadow. This exploration of liminal spaces—those transitional or threshold areas—invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences within these spaces of transit, both emotional and corporeal.

The exhibition is open to the public at Almine Rech Tribeca, located at 361 Broadway, New York, NY 10013. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free, and all are welcome to experience Morimoto’s evocative portrayal of urban life.

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual tour of the exhibition is available on the gallery’s website, providing an immersive experience of Morimoto’s work from the comfort of your home. Additionally, a series of artist talks and panel discussions are scheduled throughout the exhibition period, offering deeper insights into Morimoto’s creative process and the themes explored in his paintings.

“To Nowhere and Back” is more than just an art exhibition; it is an invitation to see the world through Morimoto’s eyes, to find beauty in the overlooked, and to reflect on the transient nature of urban life. Whether experienced in person or virtually, the exhibition promises to be a thought-provoking journey into the heart of the city and the human experience.

What is the ‘To Nowhere and Back’ exhibition?

‘To Nowhere and Back’ is a solo exhibition by Japanese artist Keita Morimoto, showcasing his latest paintings that explore the interplay of light and shadow in urban landscapes. The exhibition is on view at Almine Rech’s Tribeca gallery in New York City from March 14 to April 26, 2025.

Where is the exhibition located?

The exhibition is held at Almine Rech New York, Tribeca, located at 361 Broadway, New York, NY 10013.

What are the gallery hours?

The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free, and all are welcome to experience Morimoto’s evocative portrayal of urban life.

Is there a virtual tour available?

Yes, for those unable to attend in person, a virtual tour of the exhibition is available on the gallery’s website, providing an immersive experience of Morimoto’s work from the comfort of your home.

Are there any artist talks or panel discussions scheduled?

Yes, a series of artist talks and panel discussions are scheduled throughout the exhibition period, offering deeper insights into Morimoto’s creative process and the themes explored in his paintings. For the latest schedule and details, please visit the gallery’s official website.

What is the significance of the exhibition’s title, ‘to Nowhere and Back’?

The title reflects Morimoto’s exploration of liminal spaces—those transitional or threshold areas in urban environments. His paintings depict scenes such as convenience stores glowing under fluorescent lights or quiet streets illuminated by solitary lamps, transforming these everyday settings into poetic narratives of light and shadow. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences within these spaces of transit, both emotional and corporeal.

How can I contact the gallery for more information?

For more information, you can contact Almine Rech New York, Tribeca, at their official website: https://www.alminerech.com/exhibitions/10908-keita-morimoto-to-nowhere-and-back