The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) has announced the opening of a remarkable exhibition by visual artist Ebony G. Patterson. Titled “…things come to thrive…in the shedding…in the molting…”, the exhibition is the result of Patterson’s immersive residency at the Garden, making her the first visual artist to embed within the institution. Patterson worked directly with the Garden’s grounds and collections to create a stunning collection of sculptures, installations, and interventions with living plants.
The exhibition explores the concept of transitional states, focusing on molting, shedding, and decay as processes that reveal healing, regeneration, and beauty. It offers a visually sumptuous experience while also providing societal critique, delving into the intricate interplay of the natural world and its connections to race, gender, and colonialism.