Rei Sato

June 26 - August 8, 2008
540 West 26th Street

Press Release

Lehmann Maupin Gallery will present the first New York solo exhibition of the artist Rei Sato. Her seemingly childlike approach to painting and drawing provides an insight into feminine identity and perspective in Japan through the usage of simple figurative forms, bold compositions and expressive color.

For this exhibition, Rei Sato will present a new series of paintings, drawings and photographs influenced by 'cuteness' or what is known in Japan as 'kawaii.' Sato's process begins with taking chance photographs of the ordinary like a parked car, a grassy plain along the highway or a cracked sidewalk. These are then printed onto a canvas and Sato superimposes images of children, butterflies and furry animals into the scenery with watercolor and line drawing. Sato communicates a form of escapism by removing the everyday through this series of manipulations.

Rei Sato currently lives and works in Tokyo. She was discovered by Takashi Murakami at GEISAI#1 event in 2002 and since has been included in exhibitions such as Coloriage at Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris, Tokyo Girls Bravo 2 at NADiff in Tokyo, Weather Report at Centro
Atlantico de Arte Moderno in Spain and in 2008 she had a solo exhibition at the Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo.


The exhibition will be on view from 26 June through 8 August 2008. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10AM – 6PM. Summer gallery hours begin after 4 July, Tuesday – Friday 10AM – 6PM.

For more information please contact Stephanie Smith at 212 255 2923 or stephanie@lehmannmaupin.com.
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Artists in this exhibition

Press

Exhibition Works

REI SATO Senzai Midori, 2008 mixed media installation © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11557
REI SATO Senzai Midori, 2008 mixed media installation © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11557

REI SATO Senzai Midori (detail), 2008 mixed media installation © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11557
REI SATO Senzai Midori (detail), 2008 mixed media installation © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11557

REI SATO Senzai Midori (detail), 2008 mixed media installation © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11557
REI SATO Senzai Midori (detail), 2008 mixed media installation © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11557

REI SATO I Looked at a Construction Site on My Way Home From Work:
REI SATO I Looked at a Construction Site on My Way Home From Work: "It Was Beautiful", 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 124.8 x 187.2 inches 317 x 475.5 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11537

REI SATO A Miracle at a Vacant Lot, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 137.8 x 283.46 inches 350 x 720 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11538
REI SATO A Miracle at a Vacant Lot, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 137.8 x 283.46 inches 350 x 720 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11538

REI SATO I'll Catch a Huge One!, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 47.24 x 70.87 inches 120 x 180 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11528
REI SATO I'll Catch a Huge One!, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 47.24 x 70.87 inches 120 x 180 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11528

REI SATO A Dawn-Colored Bird, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11463
REI SATO A Dawn-Colored Bird, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11463

REI SATO A Certain... (When I Think of a Way to Be Friends Again), 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11516
REI SATO A Certain... (When I Think of a Way to Be Friends Again), 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11516

REI SATO A Certain... (When I Could See the Invisible), 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11517
REI SATO A Certain... (When I Could See the Invisible), 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11517

REI SATO A Certain... (When an Incredible Miracle Happened), 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11519
REI SATO A Certain... (When an Incredible Miracle Happened), 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11519

REI SATO About Chance Encounters, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 124.8 x 187.2 inches 317 x 475.5 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11535
REI SATO About Chance Encounters, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 124.8 x 187.2 inches 317 x 475.5 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11535

REI SATO Tree, 2008 photograph, acrylic and pen 23.62 x 35.43 inches 60 x 90 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11365
REI SATO Tree, 2008 photograph, acrylic and pen 23.62 x 35.43 inches 60 x 90 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11365

REI SATO My Hawaii - Lonely Version, 2008 acrylic on photo 5 x 3.5 inches (paper) 12.7 x 8.9 cm 5.5 x 4 inches (framed) 14 x 10.2 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11539
REI SATO My Hawaii - Lonely Version, 2008 acrylic on photo 5 x 3.5 inches (paper) 12.7 x 8.9 cm 5.5 x 4 inches (framed) 14 x 10.2 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11539

REI SATO ticket, 2008 pen on paper 5 x 3 inches 12.7 x 7.6 cm LM11614
REI SATO ticket, 2008 pen on paper 5 x 3 inches 12.7 x 7.6 cm LM11614

REI SATO Gamers, 2008 pen on paper 3.25 x 5.375 inches 8.3 x 13.7 cm LM11608
REI SATO Gamers, 2008 pen on paper 3.25 x 5.375 inches 8.3 x 13.7 cm LM11608

REI SATO Mathematics Forest, 2008 pen on paper 5.875 x 3.25 inches 14.9 x 8.3 cm LM11622
REI SATO Mathematics Forest, 2008 pen on paper 5.875 x 3.25 inches 14.9 x 8.3 cm LM11622

REI SATO Yummy Yummy Meal, 2008 pen on paper 7 x 10 inches 17.8 x 25.4 cm LM11637
REI SATO Yummy Yummy Meal, 2008 pen on paper 7 x 10 inches 17.8 x 25.4 cm LM11637

REI SATO If you look down from the embankment , 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 5 x 7 inches 12.7 x 17.8 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11496
REI SATO If you look down from the embankment , 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 5 x 7 inches 12.7 x 17.8 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11496

REI SATO Sandwich Sandwich, 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 5 x 7 inches 12.7 x 17.8 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11498
REI SATO Sandwich Sandwich, 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 5 x 7 inches 12.7 x 17.8 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11498

REI SATO The Day I Saw Snow for the First Time, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11524
REI SATO The Day I Saw Snow for the First Time, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11524

REI SATO A Car, A Friend, 2008 acrylic on photo 21.26 x 34.25 inches (paper) 54 x 87 cm 24.5 x 36.5 inches (framed) 62.2 x 92.7 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11554
REI SATO A Car, A Friend, 2008 acrylic on photo 21.26 x 34.25 inches (paper) 54 x 87 cm 24.5 x 36.5 inches (framed) 62.2 x 92.7 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11554

REI SATO A Painting from When I Accidentally Landed on an Unknown Planet , 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11523
REI SATO A Painting from When I Accidentally Landed on an Unknown Planet , 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11523

REI SATO Let's All Go to a Party, 2008 acrylic on photo 5 x 7.09 inches (paper) 12.7 x 18 cm 5.125 x 7.5 inches (framed) 13 x 19.1 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11542
REI SATO Let's All Go to a Party, 2008 acrylic on photo 5 x 7.09 inches (paper) 12.7 x 18 cm 5.125 x 7.5 inches (framed) 13 x 19.1 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11542

REI SATO The Words, 2008 pen on paper 5.875 x 3.25 inches 14.9 x 8.3 cm LM11631
REI SATO The Words, 2008 pen on paper 5.875 x 3.25 inches 14.9 x 8.3 cm LM11631

REI SATO Big Wave, 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 5 x 7 inches 12.7 x 17.8 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11495
REI SATO Big Wave, 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 5 x 7 inches 12.7 x 17.8 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11495

REI SATO Take it to that girl, somehow, 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 5 x 7 inches 12.7 x 17.8 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11497
REI SATO Take it to that girl, somehow, 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 5 x 7 inches 12.7 x 17.8 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11497

REI SATO A Sun-baked Day, 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 7 x 5 inches 17.8 x 12.7 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11500
REI SATO A Sun-baked Day, 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 7 x 5 inches 17.8 x 12.7 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11500

REI SATO I got it, 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 7 x 5 inches 17.8 x 12.7 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11501
REI SATO I got it, 2008 acrylic and pen on photo 7 x 5 inches 17.8 x 12.7 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11501

REI SATO It Came A Fallin', 2008 acrylic on photo 34.25 x 21.26 inches (paper) 87 x 54 cm 37.75 x 26 inches (framed) 95.9 x 66 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11556
REI SATO It Came A Fallin', 2008 acrylic on photo 34.25 x 21.26 inches (paper) 87 x 54 cm 37.75 x 26 inches (framed) 95.9 x 66 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11556

REI SATO A Picture of The Beginning of Summer Break, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 47.24 x 70.87 inches 120 x 180 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11526
REI SATO A Picture of The Beginning of Summer Break, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 47.24 x 70.87 inches 120 x 180 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11526

REI SATO All right! I'm going to cheer for you!, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11521
REI SATO All right! I'm going to cheer for you!, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11521

REI SATO Don't think a coincidence a mere coincidence , 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM10957
REI SATO Don't think a coincidence a mere coincidence , 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM10957

REI SATO Summer Break Radio Workout, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11385
REI SATO Summer Break Radio Workout, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11385

REI SATO I Have a Lot of Presents I Wish to Give to You, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11525
REI SATO I Have a Lot of Presents I Wish to Give to You, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 20.87 x 31.5 inches 53 x 80 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11525

REI SATO There Are Dwarfs, Too! An Amusement Park After Rain, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 47.24 x 70.87 inches 120 x 180 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11531
REI SATO There Are Dwarfs, Too! An Amusement Park After Rain, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 47.24 x 70.87 inches 120 x 180 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11531

REI SATO A Miracle at a Vacant Lot, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 137.8 x 283.46 inches 350 x 720 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11538
REI SATO A Miracle at a Vacant Lot, 2008 photo print and water-based paint on canvas 137.8 x 283.46 inches 350 x 720 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11538

REI SATO Hydrangea, 2008 acrylic on photo 13.39 x 16.14 inches (paper) 34 x 41 cm 14.25 x 17 inches (framed) 36.2 x 43.2 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11545
REI SATO Hydrangea, 2008 acrylic on photo 13.39 x 16.14 inches (paper) 34 x 41 cm 14.25 x 17 inches (framed) 36.2 x 43.2 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11545

REI SATO Pretty!, 2008 acrylic on photo 13.39 x 16.14 inches (paper) 34 x 41 cm 14.25 x 17 inches (framed) 36.2 x 43.2 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11546
REI SATO Pretty!, 2008 acrylic on photo 13.39 x 16.14 inches (paper) 34 x 41 cm 14.25 x 17 inches (framed) 36.2 x 43.2 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11546

REI SATO Staring at Kichijoji, 2008 acrylic on photo 17.13 x 21.26 inches (paper) 43.5 x 54 cm 20.25 x 24.25 inches (framed) 51.4 x 61.6 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11549
REI SATO Staring at Kichijoji, 2008 acrylic on photo 17.13 x 21.26 inches (paper) 43.5 x 54 cm 20.25 x 24.25 inches (framed) 51.4 x 61.6 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11549

REI SATO Pretending To Be Fishing, I'm Sunbathing, 2008 painted fiberglass 29 x 17 x 25 inches 73.7 x 43.2 x 63.5 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11577
REI SATO Pretending To Be Fishing, I'm Sunbathing, 2008 painted fiberglass 29 x 17 x 25 inches 73.7 x 43.2 x 63.5 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11577

REI SATO Hey Kitty, Do You Think She Will Catch One If I Cheered?, 2008 painted fiberglass 44 x 60 x 16 inches 111.8 x 152.4 x 40.6 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11578
REI SATO Hey Kitty, Do You Think She Will Catch One If I Cheered?, 2008 painted fiberglass 44 x 60 x 16 inches 111.8 x 152.4 x 40.6 cm © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. LM11578

Installation Stills

Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Rei Sato, Summer 2008. Lehmann Maupin Gallery © Rei Sato /Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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