Hello there, Fellow Wanderers,
In the heart of New York City's iconic Times Square, a revolutionary artistic movement is poised to captivate the world in October. This week's blog post celebrates that the next awe-inspiring Expo Metro Exhibition, a groundbreaking initiative that will harness the power of digital technology to make art accessible to all and will replacing advertising with creativity, will be nestled in the world-famous Times Square. This event brings together a diverse array of artists, creators, and visionaries from around the globe, to be precise, 340 artists from 36 countries will be joining forces for this unprecedented event to transform Times Square's mega digital billboard into a canvas that celebrates creativity, diversity, and the universal language of art. With its prime location, the exhibition promises to not only showcase artistic excellence but also create a dynamic intersection of culture and creativity in the heart of New York City. As part of this remarkable showcase, I am overjoyed to reveal my role as a participating artist. Join me as we explore the anticipation and excitement surrounding this amazing event.
The mission behind Expo Metro is to make Art accessible to everyone in iconic public locations, by uniting artists from around the world within giant Collective Artworks. Times Square, known as “the Crossroads of the World”, is a hub that captures and celebrates the city’s artistic, creative, popular, and diverse cultures. It is home to more than 5,800 residents, with another 173,000 office workers traveling daily. With a wide array of dining and shopping opportunities, there is something for everyone here. Located at the centre stage of the New Year’s Eve celebrations, 1530 Broadway is strategically positioned just above eye-level, targeting high volume pedestrian crowds that flow through the area, commuters coming from one of the busiest transit stations on the planet and non- stop vehicular traffic via 7th Ave. This brand new, impossible-to-miss Times Square sensation is powered by the most innovative LED technology, featuring an 8mm screen that produces the highest resolution, brightness, and colour in the heart of Times Square’s Bowtie. This state-of-the-art, high-definition LED display is the ideal global branding opportunity to command the attention of thousands of viewers. Expo Metro is revolutionizing the traditional exhibition concept by allowing artists from all horizons to unite within this unique Collective Artwork and by continuing to replace advertising with exceptional art. This collaborative approach defies geographical boundaries, allowing local and international artists to connect and transform how art is discovered directly in public spaces. Together, they form a vibrant tapestry of creativity, enriching the art world's fabric.
To be a participating artist within this collective approach is a humbling and enriching experience. As a black and white nature photographer I have chosen to exhibit a macro floral image that continues to allow me to proudly showcase South Africa’s natural beauty on an international platform.
Nature has an uncanny ability to captivate us with its intricate details and breathtaking beauty. Among its many wonders, the South African Pincushion Protea has always captivated me. With its striking appearance and unique characteristics, it serves as a testament to the artistic elegance that nature inherently possesses. It is for these reasons that I have chosen to showcase this beautiful flower as a black and white macro photographic image for Times Square, NY, Expo Metro Exhibition.
The pincushion protea, scientifically known as Leucospermum Cordifolium, is a remarkable flowering plant native to my home province, the Western Cape of South Africa. Its name aptly captures its appearance – a cluster of needle-like petals tightly packed together, resembling a pincushion often used in sewing. The pincushion protea stands as a multi-layered symbol within South African culture – embodying resilience, connection to the land, artistic inspiration, and a powerful reminder of the country's diverse natural heritage.
Part of this natural heritage is the fynbos biome, a unique and diverse ecosystem found primarily in the Western Cape of South Africa. This plant's ability to thrive in such a challenging environment serves as a symbol of adaptability, and the ability to find beauty and flourish even in harsh conditions. As, South Africa's unique flora and fauna are under constant threat due to factors like urbanization, invasive species, and climate change. The pincushion protea's symbolism extends to the conservation efforts aimed at preserving South Africa's natural biodiversity, encouraging awareness and action to protect these precious resources.
In a world often filled with vivid colours and elaborate compositions, the choice to depict the pincushion protea in monochrome serves to accentuate its inherent beauty in a unique and powerful way. The stark contrast between light and shadow enhances the depth and texture of the image, creating a visual experience that engages the viewer in a profound way. Stripped of colour distractions, the intricate details of the flower are brought to the forefront, allowing us to truly appreciate the delicacy of its petals, the complexity of its structure, and the graceful symmetry that nature has endowed it with. This graceful symmetry is truly exceptional in its connection to mathematical beauty – the Fibonacci sequence. This sequence, a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, often appears in various patterns found in nature. The arrangement of the pincushion's petals follows this very sequence, creating a mesmerizing spiral pattern that is both aesthetically pleasing and mathematically significant. This mysterious occurrence further deepens our appreciation for the intricate relationship between art and mathematics that exists within the natural world.
As Expo Metro revolutionizes the traditional exhibition paradigm, it beckons us to reimagine the future of art—one where artists stand stronger together, creating enduring value and shaping a more inclusive artistic landscape. I urge you to take a moment, during this incredible exhibition, to not only absorb the intricate details and timeless elegance that the pincushion protea encapsulates, but to spend time with each artists chosen piece and immerse yourself in this experience. The announcement of my participation in the upcoming Expo Metro Exhibition in Times Square, New York, is a moment of joy and inspiration. This event represents, for me, a convergence of artistry, culture, human connection, and art accessibility, I am honoured to be a part of it. Stay tuned for updates, and let's celebrate the magic of creativity together in the heart of the city that never sleeps.
Take care,
Gwen
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