At Rei Cosmetics, we believe beauty is not just about the products we carry. It’s also about the people, creativity, and culture behind them.
As part of our ongoing collaboration with female Japanese artists, we’re excited to once again work with Ayane Kurai, a renowned Japanese artist who has called New York City home for more than 30 years.
Meet Ayane Kurai
Ayane Kurai is an accomplished abstract painter known for her vibrant colors, expressive compositions, and richly textured oil paintings. Originally from Japan, Ayane has lived and worked in New York City for over three decades.
Her work draws inspiration from human experience. Utilizing oil on canvas, she employs bold colors and textured layers to reflect the emotion and humanity found in everyday life.
Her paintings have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions across Japan, New York, and internationally, including at Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia in Brazil. Among her many accomplishments, Ayane received the Joan Mitchell Foundation Grand Award in 1999 and was a first-round winner of Art Olympia Tokyo in 2015.
Galaxy Rail Night
For our newest Thank You card, we chose Ayane’s beautiful work Galaxy Rail Night, inspired by one of Japan’s beloved literary works, Night on the Galactic Railroad (銀河鉄道の夜) by Kenji Miyazawa (宮沢賢治).
For many people who grew up in Japan, Night on the Galactic Railroad is a familiar story. On the surface, it follows a boy who takes a magical train journey through the stars. But beneath that fantastical journey is a deeply moving exploration of friendship, loneliness, sacrifice, and what it means to live a meaningful and happy life.
For Ayane, the painting carries an even more personal meaning. The small red dot in the painting represents her mother, who sadly passed away after this artwork was made. Through this work, Ayane created a beautiful tribute to her mother and to a life filled with beauty, love, and care for others.
A Little Piece of Art for You
We’re honored to share Ayane’s artwork with you as a small token of our appreciation.
The Galaxy Rail Night Thank You card will be included with Rei Cosmetics orders while supplies last. With only a limited number available, we hope this card reminds you of the true meaning of happiness.