AYAN RIVERA
Sumi-e Artist
Tel Aviv, Israel | studio@ayanrivera.com
ARTIST STATEMENT
Sumi-e artist exploring the intersection of traditional Japanese ink painting and contemporary abstraction. Trained under master painter Koho Yamamoto in New York City from 1988 to 1991. Practice developed over three decades balances technical mastery with the meditative philosophy at the heart of sumi-e.
CURRENT REPRESENTATION
Kobo Shop Gallery, Seattle, WA (2018–present)
Lawrence & Scott, Seattle, WA (2022-present)
PUBLIC COMMISSIONS & INSTALLATIONS
2022 — Amazon, Seattle, WA (window installation commission)
2019 — Miro Tea, Seattle, WA (public installation)
2016 — Bainbridge Performing Arts, Bainbridge Island, WA
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
1997 — Fleischer Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA
1995 — First Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
1994 — Art in General, New York, NY (artist talk with slide presentation)
1993 — New York University, New York, NY
1992 — The Puck Building, New York, NY
1992 — Somerstown Gallery, Somers, NY
1991 — Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY
1990 — KOHO Gallery, New York, NY
1987 — Georgetown University, Washington, DC
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2015 — Lost Quill, Bainbridge Island, WA
1995 — The Philippine Consulate, New York, NY
1991 — Afrique Caribe Gallery, Jersey City, NJ
PUBLIC PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS
2018, 2022, 2023 — Seattle Japanese Garden Fall Festival (sumi-e demonstration)
COLLECTIONS
The Marc (hotel collection), Chicago, IL
Mathis Gallery, Jersey City, NJ (represented artist until gallery closure)
Private collections in the United States and Israel
PUBLICATIONS
1992 — Asian Americans for Equality Annual Journal (cover art: Gibbon, commissioned for Year of the Monkey)
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Study with Koho Yamamoto, New York City (1988–1991)
Three consecutive years of intensive training in traditional sumi-e techniques and philosophy
MATERIALS & PRACTICE
Works primarily with traditional sumi ink on washi and various unsized papers. Subjects range from botanical studies to landscapes and abstract compositions.
Accepts commissions for custom work.