Friends of James Fuentes gathered at 52 White Street to celebrate the gallery’s new space in Tribeca, with a presentation of works from Kuko Saito’s archive, curated by Christopher Y. Lew. The exhibition, Kikuo Saito: Color Codes, is the most extensive demonstration of Saito’s works to date, and features eight large-scale works created between 1990 and 1993.

Situated where The Collective for Living Cinema once thrived, the gallery celebrates downtown artists in their original neighborhood. Following a 2021 exhibition focusing on Saito's black-themed works, Color Codes delves into his exploration of individual colors, particularly through "Monochromes" like red and blue.

Saito, originally from Tokyo, viewed these works as more than color studies, infusing them with cryptic messages and gestures, blending painting and performance. Immersed in NewYork's interdisciplinary art scene since 1966, Saito bridged Japanese and New Yorkavant-gardes, innovating at the intersection of Gutai and Abstract Expressionism. The exhibition presents eight canvases, most never exhibited before, offering a glimpse into a significant period for both Saito and downtown art, showcasing their vibrant and innovative nature.

Kikuo Saito: Color Codes will remain on view through April 20, 2024.

Notable guests included Ana Sharp, Brennan Aubol, Caitlin Marshall, Caleb Hahne Quintana, Charlotte Kidd, Chris Cortez, Christopher Lucka, Christopher Y. Lew, Clifford Owen, Dustin Yellin, Dunja Gottweis, DylanWarmack, Elena Soboleva, Ena Swansea, Gabriel Florenz, James Fuentes, James Perkins, Jean Edouard, Jordan Huelskamp, Katsu, Gildo, Katrin Lewinsky, Kaya Gür, Kevin Claiborne, Leah Glimcher, Mandy Svendsen, Maria Vogel, Maxi Cohen, Mikiko Ino, Quinn Charles, Sonya Shin, TyrrellTapaha, William Kim.

Image credit: Mike Vitelli/BFA