Making art is like examining one’s own DNA. Those who call themselves artists realize their inspiration stems from a persistent drive. When an idea or action is recurring, it may be alluding to the genetic makeup that defines them.  Going back to one’s ancestry and community is part of this search as it provides additional context to the DNA that was inherited by each artist. The artists on display have each created works related to these themes in both the Queens Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Botanic Garden respectively.

We present “DNA Garden” highlighting the fruition of two year-long artists cohorts for the AnkhLave Garden Project Fellowships, 2022 and 2023.  Like the cyclical growth of a garden, their creative journeys delved into personal histories and experiences while responding to the natural environments. Works crafted to withstand the elements carry the marks of weathering, as well as traces of curious wildlife and inquisitive human visitors. These artists, who were selected from an open call, are BIPOC with ancestries hailing from many corners of the Earth. Through the fellowship’s structure, collaboration and exchange, their unique voices came to the fore. Together, they explored concepts of identity, community, and the parallels between human and botanical life cycles, unfolding the narratives of their outdoor pieces. This first AnkhLave Biennial is a follow up exhibition to the public works they showcased in these botanical gardens where they continuously unfold the legacy of their Indigenous heritages through contemporary art.

Presenting artists include:

2022 AnkhLave Garden Project Fellows who presented at Queens Botanical Garden: Carlos Wilfredo Encarnacion, Yiyi Wei, Ruth Jeyeveeran, M.E. Guadalupe Rubi, and Sherwin Banfield. 

2023 AnkhLave Garden Project Fellows who presented at Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Jasmine Murrell, Natsuki Takauji, Amanda Martinez, Seema Lisa Pandya, and Niceli Portugal 

This Exhibit was Curated by Curator in Residence, Cecilia Andre. AnkhLave was Founded and Directed by Visual Artist, Dario Mohr.