Peter Gerakaris Creates ‘Floating Garden’ for The Surrey
05/23/2016
DVS Project Newest Project
A symbol of Upper East Side luxury and art connoisseurship now has a flawlessly harmonized rooftop garden thanks to the work of Peter Gerakaris, a longtime Duggal Visual Solutions client and friend.
Commissioned for The Surrey and curated by ArtMuse founder Natasha Schlesinger, Floating Garden is Gerakaris' solo, mixed-media installation transforming three sides of the renowned hotel’s seasonal Private Rooftop Garden. The bright, botanical urban escape was a highlight of ArtSpeak previews during Frieze New York 2016, which drew record attendance, before its grand unveiling May 20. It will remain on view exclusively for hotel guests through October 15.
“Here, the artist’s abstract, collage-like vision draws upon everything from medicinal botanicals and agriculturally terraced landscapes, to the impact of climate change on apiculture, e.g. the alarming disappearance of the worker bee,” an accompanying artist statement reads. “The project also suggests a striking parallel between garden and artwork: both are artificial constructs engaging our imaginations.”
Having had past successes with Gerakaris’ work at Bergdorf Goodman and Cornell Tech, Duggal was entrusted to produce the vivid Floating Garden mural that generates a sense of convergence between nature and culture. From the artist statement:
“The mural’s details and materiality – such as faux wood grain, cropped brushstrokes, torn paper, and morphed honeycomb patterns – mine the artist’s passion for remixing global motifs culled during his exotic travels, including a vivid re-imagining of huaping, Chinese folding screen paintings. Taking additional cues from the Japanese concept of “The Floating World” (Ukiyo) – an imagined universe that often fuses wit and style with sensual fantasy – this kaleidoscopic interpretation amplifies the garden’s profuse colors and seductive forms. The composition actually embraces the vertical battens of the garden structure rather than conceal them. The artwork therefore evokes a folding screen effect – akin to a magical portal to a secret garden. Generating a visual rhythm, the structure provides a theater fit for Babylon or Eden.”
Duggal congratulates Peter Gerakaris on yet another incredible installation. It is always a pleasure working with you, Peter!
