Artist Gina Keatley Unveils Motto Motto Series Bridging New York and Japan

Contemporary abstract artist Gina Keatley introduces Motto Motto, an evocative five-painting acrylic-on-canvas series developed across the distinct landscapes of New York City and Akō, Japan. The title, derived from the Japanese term for "more," reflects Keatley’s intentional process of refining her work beyond its initial completion. Measuring 48 by 36 inches, each piece features a nuanced palette of sand, cream, and smoke, punctuated by signature flashes of mandarin orange that emphasize her sophisticated layering technique.

This series coincides with a significant professional evolution for Keatley, who is transitioning from her role at Bushwick Gallery to prioritize the expansion of Salt Road Studio in Akō. This shift marks a deeper commitment to international artistic exchange and residency programming. By treating the movement between these two geographies as a primary working condition, Keatley successfully translates the complexities of distance and atmosphere into a tangible, weathered visual language that defines her current practice.

The Motto Motto collection represents a pivotal moment in Keatley’s career, blending domestic roots with a burgeoning global perspective. Her approach—characterized by constant revision and persistence—results in works that are both soft in aesthetic and insistent in presence. These paintings serve as a testament to her ongoing exploration of material tension, offering collectors and art enthusiasts a profound look at the intersection of cultural memory and abstract expression.