NEWSLETTER
The show features paintings and sculptures by artist Kahori Kamiya, whose work dissolves the boundaries between self, memory, and other. A co-exhibition features the work of Spanish photographer Ruben Tomas: provocative storytelling through the lens of soulful intuition.
Newburgh, NY — Artist Kahori Kamiya’s paintings and sculptures explore an otherworldly sense of collective memory, quiet longing, and the unseen emotional layers carried through one’s body; these core themes are present in her new exhibit, “Darling, Stay Close,” opening July 18 and running through August 23 at GRIT Gallery in Newburgh, NY.
Kamiya’s works invite viewers into a space where closeness is felt rather than declared, shaped by a quiet depth in layers that settle beneath the surface and a sense of distance that feels almost touchable, yet remains just out of reach.
As its title declares, the exhibition centers on the word “Darling,” a term that carries a wide emotional range. Beyond romantic affection, it can be addressed to a child, a memory, a ghost or ancestor, an inner voice, or even a voice from nature. It’s a tender call whose recipient is never fully defined, and this ambiguous intimacy forms the conceptual core of the exhibition.
Translating those emotions into layered tones, “Wishing Star,” a 38x30" oil on canvas, has a softness of color juxtaposed with piercing gazes from both the depicted mother and child. Rather than illustrating narrative, the paintings open portals into emotional states that hover between presence and disappearance.
Kamiya’s sculptural works extend this inquiry into the body as a vessel of memory. Through organic forms and intimate gestures, the sculptures echo ancient belief systems in which nature, spirit, and human experience are deeply intertwined.
For instance, as part of her “Go-Shintai” series, Kamiya’s “Sanctuary” sculpture is a substantial piece that’s layered and womb-like, inviting viewers into spaces where tenderness and resilience coexist.
Each of the artist’s pieces embodies a quiet duality: strength and fragility, care and distance, the earthly and the otherworldly.
Together, the sculptures invite viewers to encounter the subtle, often invisible emotional layers that shape our inner lives.
GRIT’s Co-Curator David Lionheart invites all to experience Kamiya’s sculptures and paintings, especially if they simply want to “Feel.”
“You will be welcomed into the gallery by extremely intricate, colorful, and spiritually limitless sculptures created by Kahori Kamiya,” Lionheart says. “The peaceful yet complex multimedia creations will be surrounded by a majestic conversation carried on between Kamiya and her fearless paintbrush. Vivid pigments meticulously restrained in a traditional Japanese flow will grace our walls.”
CO-EXHIBITING ARTIST: RUBEN TOMAS - “IN BETWEEN”
While Kamiya’s work is displayed in the main gallery, photographs by Ruben Tomas can be viewed in our Center Gallery for an exhibit titled “In Between”
Ruben Tomas is a photographer who works on a level above instinct. His subjects are not people, natural landscapes, or animals. Rather, his subject is the elusive connection between himself and what is going on around him. Inner lives seem to appear along the surfaces of bodies: eyes in partial shadow, wet hair giving temporary dimension to a face as it is drying, a mask that shows more than it hides.
Ruben’s signature style is unmistakable.
Born in Valencia, Spain, Ruben’s artistic journey has spanned five countries and four languages. His work is internationally recognized and has been featured in L’Officiel Hommes, Elle, Refinery29, Behind the Blinds, The Ones 2 Watch, Schon Magazine, Tendencias Magazine, and others.
EXHIBIT DETAILS:
Darling, Stay Close (Main Gallery) In Between (Center Gallery)
July 18 through August 23, 2026
Opening Reception: July 18 from 3-7 pm
GRIT Gallery is located at 115 Broadway, Newburgh, NY | Open weekends 1-5 pm.
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Image: "Eternal Ripple" by Kahori Kamiya