WE ARE AN INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE STUDIO CONNECTING NYC & JAPAN

Salt Road Studio brings together contemporary art, artist led publishing, and global residency programming through a practice rooted in movement, material, and cultural exchange.

ABOUT US

Art Residency

Explore more →

Art Books

Explore more →

Gina Keatley is a bold and innovative artist whose journey into contemporary art reflects her passion for pushing creative boundaries. Her signature collection, Untamed Moderns, serves as an anthology of abstract expressionism, exploring the depths of human emotion through dynamic contrasts of monochrome and bursts of mandarin orange. This distinctive style invites audiences into a visceral dialogue with color, form, and texture, celebrating the transformative power of artistic expression. In 2024, Gina expanded her artistic vision by founding Bushwick Gallery in Brooklyn, New York. This space has quickly become a cornerstone of the contemporary art world, hosting eight group exhibitions and three private shows annually. At its heart is Gina’s commitment to providing a platform for emerging and established artists, fostering a dynamic and inclusive community. Her personal work, showcased prominently at the gallery, continues to inspire reflection and emotional engagement. Artistic Leadership and Global Perspective Beyond her role as an artist, Gina is an educator and thought leader. As an adjunct professor of International Cuisine at CUNY Queens College, she emphasizes cultural exploration and creativity. Her creative journey has also intersected with media and storytelling — including her Amazon Prime series Deliciously Diverse, her book Essence of Orange, and numerous appearances on major television networks and publications. These projects reflect her longstanding ability to communicate cultural narratives through both visual and sensory experiences. Her projects consistently bridge art, culture, and sustainability. Gina’s environmentally conscious methods, including the use of found materials, reflect her commitment to global issues. Her series Atmospheric Animals and Atmospheric Fauna explore themes of mystery and the unknown, blending historical significance with abstract expressionism to spark conversations about humanity’s place in the universe. A Multifaceted Innovator Gina Keatley’s influence extends beyond the canvas. Her ventures, including Olive Leaf Matcha, reflect her ability to merge sustainability and creativity. In 2026, she is launching SABI, an international art magazine published in four languages—English, Japanese, Italian, and Spanish. SABI will serve as a cross-cultural platform spotlighting artists, critical discourse, and material exploration, bridging artistic communities across continents. Through her art, entrepreneurial projects, and community initiatives, Gina redefines how contemporary art and culture intersect, inspiring meaningful engagement with the world around us.

Untamed Moderns

Explore more →

Ako, Japan

Located in Ako, Japan near the coastal art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Salt Road Studio is a creative space rooted in contemporary art, cultural exchange, and international residency programming.

RESIDENCY

Salt Road Residency is a fully funded three week international artist residency based in Ako, Japan near the coastal art islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Centered on cultural exchange, contemporary art, and immersive creative practice, the residency offers artists dedicated time and space to develop work shaped by environment, travel, and connection.

APPLY

Our Team

Gina Keatley

Founder / Creative Principal

Gina Keatley is a contemporary abstract artist and founder of Salt Road Studio, an international creative platform connecting NYC and Japan through contemporary art, cultural exchange, and artist residency programming.

Edith Jean

Communications Manager

Edith Jean supports Salt Road Studio through international communications, artist outreach, and global coordination across residency programming, exhibitions, and creative partnerships.

CREATE ACROSS BORDERS

Brooklyn abstract artist Gina Keatley founded Salt Road Studio to connect contemporary art, cultural exchange, and international residency programming between NYC and Japan — creating new pathways for artists to experiment, travel, and build meaningful creative practices across borders.

Press