After only one day of opening, Cj Hendry’s massive floral installation was quickly shut down due to overcrowding, finding home in an Industry City warehouse for its final viewing day.
Two years in the making, Flower Market was originally installed at FDR Four Freedoms State Park on Roosevelt Island, presented in collaboration with Clé de Peau Beauté and the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy. Slated to stay from September 13 through 15, the immersive exhibition was shut down by the New York Police Department in the first hour of opening on September 14 after the park reached capacity. The artist took to social media, apologizing to visitors that weren’t able to make it in, promising to “build a new exhibit overnight” via Instagram later that day.
With quick feet, Hendry and her team found an open warehouse in Sunset Park for the exhibition’s final day. “Industry City for Sunday was a great shift because it’s this creative hub, and it gave the final day a different vibe – more industrial, more grounded, but still very much alive,” she told Dezeen. While an indoor space was not a part of the artist’s original concept, it didn’t stop the mob of visitors waiting to catch a glimpse of the Hendry’s soft blooms.
Visitors were encouraged to take home one flower for free. Evidenced by the exhibition’s three hour line, the excitement around Flower Market speaks to the joy of a community brought together by engaging displays of public art.
If you missed the exhibition, remaining flowers can be purchased here.
