“Secret Garden” (2021), at Museum Rijswijk. Photo by . All images © Ian Berry, shared with permission
Whimsical tendrils of vines, foliage, wisteria, and chrysanthemums sprout from artist ’s wild, overgrown garden plots. Densely assembled and often suspended from the ceiling, his recurring “” is comprised of blooms and leafy plants created entirely from recycled denim, producing immersive spaces teeming with indigo botanicals in various washes and fades.
Since its debut at the , Berry’s site-specific installation has undergone a few iterations. “The first one was made with children in mind… hence the more magical secret garden angle,” he says, “just wanting to (ensure they think about) where the material comes from, see what they can make, and seek out outdoor places within a city.” It’s since traveled to London, Barcelona, The Netherlands, France, Kentucky, and the , where it’s permanently installed as lining the space’s windows.
“Secret Garden,” New York Children’s Museum of the Arts. Photo by
The initial installation sourced damaged bolts from , specifically its now-shuttered White Oak Mill in North Carolina, which is known for its dedication to transparent cotton sourcing and commitment to using less water. Although much of Berry’s works recycle discarded jeans, jackets, and materials that are unusable for garments and employ environmentally conscious companies like to wash and laser the vines, sustainability is an ancillary element of his practice.
Instead, the East London-based artist focuses on generating a broader conversation about the ways communities change over time and a hope that people will find magic where it’s not necessarily expected. “The piece was born out of the idea that in New York, many children would grow up without a garden, and as much of my work is about the community in urban environments,” he shares. “I wanted afterwards for the parents and children to go and seek them out—and they did.”
“Secret Garden” is on view as part of Berry’s solo show Splendid Isolation, which is up through August 15 at in the Hague, The Netherlands. In October, his work is headed to the in Sweden, where it’ll be until May 2022. Explore a larger collection of his textile-based floral pieces on and .
“Secret Garden,” New York Children’s Museum of the Arts. Photo by
“Secret Garden” (2021), at Museum Rijswijk. Photo by Marcus van Ee
“Secret Garden,” New York Children’s Museum of the Arts. Photo by Lucinda Grange
“Secret Garden,” New York Children’s Museum of the Arts. Photo by Will Ellis
“Secret Garden,” New York Children’s Museum of the Arts. Photo by Lucinda Grange
Related Posts
