Bet ya thought you’d see some pics from the Gay Pride Parade from today…well they’re coming. Just didn’t want you getting overdosed on parades…so thought I’d toss in one of those top ten experiences in New York City. Yep, one of those.
So picture this…it’s closing in on sunset…amazing views of Central Park and the New York City skyline…an installation by contemporary artist Imran Qureshi…and a vodka tonic from the Roof Garden Cafe & Martini Bar. Oh, and camera in hand, but then that’s a given.
Welcome to the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, the Metropolitan Museum’s dramatic open-air rooftop space with a new installation every spring. So happy this season Qureshi was the chosen one.
Qureshi’s art is quite political and in part a response to the events in his home country, Pakistan. I’ll share his succinct thoughts about the exhibit. “The dialogue between life and death is an important element in my work. Leaves and nature, for example, represent the idea of life. And the particular color of red that I have been using in recent years can look so real, like blood. The red reminds me of the situation today in my country, Pakistan, and in the world around us, where violence is almost a daily occurrence. But somehow, people still have hope. The flowers that seem to emerge from the red paint in my work represent the hope that—despite everything—the people sustain somehow, their hope for a better future.”
From various reviews, I’d imagined it being more of a bloody scene from a street bomb explosion. But, it wasn’t at all. The flowers emerged from the red splashes of paint and when the sun changed throughout the evening hour, it was beautiful and there was that feeling of hope…(or maybe it was the feeling from that $14.00 v/t – but it was a good pour.) Seriously, well done Qureshi and thank you and the Met for choosing this beautiful space to showcase your art. (Exhibition through November 3, 2013)
Very, very, interesting and different. I like it. Thanks for sharing. XXOO MORE!
Wow! And I know how much you LOVE museums! LOL! xoxo
This is a dream … would have loved to be there, too. This is the sentence I could write in every comment, for every post on your blog. Thanks for taking us with you everywhere!
Thank you so much Katrin! I’m so fortunate that I can share these experiences!
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! This is a must see. xoxo
Oh yes. A must! xoxo
How super must get up there soon soon.
This is elizabeth of About NY – but this is my private blog!
Loved your batty mermaid parade pics.
Yes, that’s quite a scene!
Thanks Elizabeth for visiting!
Yes well done Quereshi and Robin for taking the pictures. I can see the beauty and the hope but as well the senseless bloodsheding in so many countries apart from Pakistan.
Thank you Karen! This has been my favorite roof top exhibition so far!
Beautiful!
Thank you Elena!
Very cool! Thanks for taking us up on the roof!
You are most welcome Mary!
Whoever would have thought the art would be under your feet, Robin. WOW. That was the biggest surprise of all for me.
Those rooftop exhibits are always mind blowing, but this one was my favorite so far!