Inside The New York Botanical Garden
Posted in Photography on February 8 2014, by Matt Newman
The sculptures of Four Seasons still overshadow the courtyard near the Nymphaea pools for a few more months. Some are fully enveloped in their element right now.
“Winter” in the Conservatory Courtyard — Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
If you love taking photographs, don’t forget to enter our Tropical Paradise Photography Contest!
Posted in Exhibitions on January 16 2014, by Thomas Andres
Thomas Andres is an Honorary Research Associate with The New York Botanical Garden.
The Holiday Train Show at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory may have attracted record numbers of visitors this season, but just outside in the Conservatory Courtyard you’ll find four spectacular, 15-foot-high sculptures that are—in my honest opinion—not to be missed! And yet, some visitors may forget that the indoor attractions like the upcoming Tropical Paradise exhibition aren’t the only ones the Conservatory has to offer. Open the exterior doors on the side of the Palm Dome pool opposite the entrance and you’ll see the Four Seasons in all their winter (and spring, and summer, and fall) majesty. They’ll be there through March 30! For my part, I plan on visiting them regularly, because they not only represent the seasons of the year, but seem to constantly change moods depending on the weather and time of day.
The sculptures were inspired by the genius of Italian Renaissance painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo, who came to prominence around 500 years ago. No matter your age, you too will be inspired by these pieces, especially when considering the work that contemporary artist Philip Haas undertook to transform them from paintings into monumental 3D portraits. They seem so alive that you might not realize they’re actually composite fiberglass representations of various plant materials, not dissimilar to the models of New York buildings in the Train Show, which use real plant parts to form famous architecture.
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on June 16 2013, by Matt Newman
Happy Father’s Day from all of us here at the NYBG! (That includes people made of fruits and vegetables.)
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen
Posted in Exhibitions on May 9 2013, by Matt Newman
If our current exhibition isn’t evidence enough, we’re a little sculpture crazy. From inspirational maquettes to full-sized foundry monoliths, exploring and expounding on the efforts of great artists are just two of the things we can’t help but indulge in. And now, with Wild Medicine: Healing Plants Around the World rounding the bend for its May 18 opening, I think the time is about right to introduce the work of our latest visiting sculptor: Philip Haas.
From the beginning of the style in 16th-century Italy to Haas’ modern-day interpretations, the edible motif of Four Seasons has certainly established its historic foundations. But in three dimensions, these 15-foot-tall statues break from the tradition of Giuseppe Arcimboldo‘s original paintings to provide an entirely novel experience.
Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on March 21 2013, by Matt Newman
Philip Haas has a knack. One that brings forests and gardens to life in ways you probably weren’t expecting. And, this coming May, he’s bringing his deft touch to The New York Botanical Garden. Keep an eye out for the inspiration of Arcimboldo in the Conservatory Courtyard, or, if you’d like a preview, hoof it up to the Library Rotunda. Trust me: you’ll never look at a fruit bowl the same way.
Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen