The exhibition currently on display in the Pomerantz Center’s Art and Design Gallery, CiTY iN BLOOM, features the work of 20 FIT students, faculty, and invited artists, and is curated by Dahlia Schweitzer, chair, and Ethan Minsker, adjunct instructor, of the Film, Media, and Performing Arts department. From shaded tree-lined streets to verdant plants nurtured in apartments, these moments of “urban nature” assert themselves, reminding city dwellers that serenity can be accessed.
From the exhibition description: Through photography, film, sculpture, sound, installation, and painting, this exhibition considers the many ways nature perseveres within the concrete jungle, how we find it, make space for it, and nurture it, focusing on the ways the biological body connects to and becomes part of the diverse tableau of urban nature—even when the mind is attuned to glass and concrete. CiTY iN BLOOM is a reminder of nature’s subtle symphony, its infinitely soothing capacity, the ways we have directed and integrated it into our cityscapes, and the urgency with which we need to preserve these encounters for future generations.
“This idea of nature as a refuge is a really precious commodity in New York City, and it made me wonder, how do people find it?” Schweitzer said. “Do they live next to Central Park? Do they line the walls of their apartments with plants? How do people find nature in the city and how do they find those moments of peace?”
“New York City Skyline with Owls” by guest artist Scooter LaForge perfectly encapsulates the theme of CiTY iN BLOOM by showcasing the resourcefulness of the artist and their ability to depict nature as a peaceful moment amidst the chaos of urban life. The piece incorporates found objects that were discarded on the streets of New York City.
“The inclusion of an owl, perched against the iconic New York City skyline, evokes the poignant story of Flaco, the African owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo and managed to survive in the city for months before his untimely passing,” said Minsker. “This narrative reminds us of the resilience of wildlife and its ability to adapt to the harsh realities of city life. Similarly, the artist reflects this adaptability by using readily available, discarded materials found in the urban landscape. Each object—whether a forgotten piece of wood or a bolt—fits together like a puzzle, creating a harmonious whole. This process mirrors how nature and humanity can coexist and thrive within the city’s chaos, turning waste into beauty and evoking a sense of renewal and growth.”