Neuer Glaube,180x130cm, Öl, Acryl, 2025Berlin’s vibrant art scene is set to be invigorated with the unveiling of Ryo Kato’s latest body of work in the exhibition Neuer Glaube (New Faith), running from 24 April to 30 May 2026 at Galerie Sara Lily Perez. This solo exhibition showcases the Berlin-based Japanese painter’s captivating exploration of the interplay between tenderness and turmoil, and of renewal amid destruction.
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Kato’s remarkable paintings embody a striking juxtaposition of elements that together defy traditional representation. In his intricately layered compositions, roses erupt from the rubble, illuminating fractured bodies that both emerge and dissolve. Each work serves as a testament to resilience, capturing beauty in the face of instability. Kato’s artistic approach melds oil and acrylic with spontaneous collage elements, creating dynamic visual dialogues where vivid colours—saturated reds, electric blues, and acidic greens—act as driving forces rather than mere decoration.
Massenaussterben II,140 x 200 cm, Öl, Acryl auf Leinwand, 2025The exhibition title, Neuer Glaube, resonates deeply in our contemporary context. Kato’s vision transcends mere escapism, inviting viewers to confront pressing global issues such as ecological degradation, political fatigue, and spiritual dislocation. The artist deftly poses existential inquiries: can conviction, tenderness, and hope manifest post-collapse, and what forms might they take? His works challenge the audience to navigate through a chaotic visual landscape, pushing them to rethink established narratives around faith and belief in an era rife with uncertainty.
Ryo Kato’s artistic career has flourished over the past two decades. Born in 1978 in Niimi, Okayama, he moved to Berlin in 1998, where he honed his skills at the Berlin University of the Arts under the tutelage of notable artists Wolfgang Petrick and Daniel Richter. His unique voice emerges from a sustained engagement with ecological themes and the precarious relationship between humanity and nature. As a recipient of the esteemed I-Shi Prize and Darmstädter Sezession recognition, Kato’s works are held in museum collections across both Japan and Germany.
Time out,50x70cm, Öl, Acryl, 2025About the Artist
Ryo Kato stands at the intersection of figuration and abstraction, creating layered, emotionally resonant works that reflect both environmental and societal shifts. His approach to painting—described as instinctive yet methodical—ensures that each piece retains a sense of immediacy and vitality. Kato’s artistic philosophy considers painting as an essential form of expression, with collaged elements appearing organically throughout his creative process.
About Galerie Sara Lily Perez
Located in the heart of Berlin’s BIKINI BERLIN district, Galerie Sara Lily Perez is dedicated to showcasing artists who engage with the contemporary moment through both intellectual rigour and cultural urgency. The gallery features a diverse array of international talent across various media, establishing a platform for meaningful artistic dialogues.
As Neuer Glaube opens its doors, art enthusiasts and collectors alike are invited to witness Ryo Kato’s innovative fusion of colour, form, and concept. Join for the opening reception on 24 April 2026, and experience firsthand the compelling worlds unveiling within Kato’s potent visual narrative.
Exhibition Details:
- Artist: Ryo Kato
- Dates: 24 April – 30 May 2026
- Opening Reception: 24 April 2026
- Venue: Galerie Sara Lily Perez
- Email: galerie@saralilyperez.com
- Address: Budapester Str. 48, 10787 Berlin, Germany
