E’wao Kagoshima: Animated Minds Exhibition to Open in NYC

The Center for Art, Research and Alliances (CARA) in New York City is set to unveil a retrospective exhibition titled "E’wao Kagoshima: Animated Minds," scheduled to run from September 20 to December 14, 2025. This exhibition marks the first comprehensive showcase of the work of Japanese-born artist E’wao Kagoshima, tracing his artistic journey from the 1960s to the present day.

E’wao Kagoshima, born in Niigata, Japan, in 1945, has spent decades immersed in the vibrant art scenes of New York City since his relocation in 1976. Known for his eclectic artistic style, Kagoshima’s works often blend figuration and abstraction, employing a variety of mediums to express his inventive vision. The exhibition will feature a diverse array of pieces, including what Kagoshima refers to as "shinshō," or "forms in the mind," which embody his reflections on everyday life through imaginative representations.

According to Rahul Gudipudi, CARA’s Director of Exhibitions and Fellowships, the exhibition aims to highlight Kagoshima's unique ability to create forms that challenge traditional perceptions. "Kagoshima's work is characterized by a playful yet profound exploration of the mundane, transforming everyday elements into something extraordinary," Gudipudi stated in an interview on August 15, 2025.

The retrospective will not only revisit past works but will also present newly uncovered pieces, showcasing Kagoshima’s continued innovation over five decades. The exhibition draws inspiration from his 1983 presentation at the New Museum, which allowed him to experiment freely across various mediums. E’wao Kagoshima’s work is often described as maximalist, with a strong command of color and form that invites viewers into his whimsical worlds.

Kagoshima's artistic practice often reflects a keen sense of humor and a fascination with the oddities of life in New York. His compositions frequently juxtapose vibrant scenes with everyday detritus, such as cigarette butts and food wrappers, to comment on contemporary existence. This approach not only showcases his technical skill but also invites deeper contemplation about the nature of perception and reality.

Reiko Tomii, an independent scholar and curator who co-curated the exhibition, emphasized the importance of Kagoshima’s work in the broader context of contemporary art. "His art challenges us to see the world through a different lens, one that embraces chaos and complexity rather than shying away from it," Tomii remarked in a press release.

As part of CARA’s Fellowship Program, Kagoshima has received recognition for his significant contributions to the art world. The CARA Fellowship, which awards mid-to-late-career artists with grants and tailored support, acknowledges the profound cultural impact of artists like Kagoshima, who continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

The exhibition’s opening celebration will take place on September 20, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM at CARA’s gallery located at 225 West 13th Street, New York. The gallery will be open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM and Sundays from 12 PM to 6 PM.

As the art community anticipates this significant retrospective, the implications of Kagoshima's work extend beyond the gallery, encouraging dialogues about the intersections of culture, creativity, and perception in a rapidly changing world. The "Animated Minds" exhibition promises to be a pivotal moment for both the artist and his audience, providing a platform for reflection and engagement with art that resonates on multiple levels.