Back to the Garden Exhibit Saturday and Sunday 12-6pm June 6 - July 20, 2008 382 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217 Phone: 718-254-9126 metaphorcontemporaryart.com Written and Photographed by Mindy Hyman

Gary Hadad . Untitled (girl with wings) . cibachrome print . 20" x 24"
Photo Courtesy of Metaphor Cohtemporary Art

Metaphor Contemporary Art, on Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, consistently exhibits beautiful art that has a soothing effect on the viewer. The colors tend to be neutral, yet vibrant and often tell a peaceful story. Metaphor’s current ongoing exhibit, Back To The Garden, makes nature the theme by turning the gallery into an indoor paradise.

Tree

Various mediums including sculpture, painting and installation are portrayed in this exhibit. Soft-to-the-touch art includes a life-size tree that weaves itself throughout the gallery. The “tree” is made out of synthetic material that has a green-grass, carpet-like feel. The observer must step over the roots of the tree and duck under its branches in order to walk by. Another realistic piece of nature is a watering can with synthetic flowers flowing out of it.

Mary Ting . "White Snakes" . iris print . 18" x 24"
Photo Courtesy of Metaphor Cohtemporary Art

The paintings in the show all contain a piece of nature. A texturized painting of a bird balancing on two teacups has a playful feel to it with luxurious, candy-like colors. Other paintings include branches and leaves intertwined in an abstract style that leave the viewer wondering if he or she is searching for the Garden of Eden on canvas. The writer of this article enjoyed Back to the Garden’s plexiglass artworks most of all. Plexiglass creates a translucent way of seeing the art. The paint on plexiglass produces shadows and smooth textures that make for a new connection between art and audience.

Teacup

Every New Yorker should experience this gallery of Eden!