Change – Berlin – June 2023

In my artistic exploration, I delve into the poignant tale of New York’s transformation over time, contrasting the lush, untamed beauty that once adorned Manhattan before the Europeans’ arrival with the stark reality of today’s concrete jungle. Through this juxtaposition, my work seeks to provoke contemplation on the profound changes wrought by human development, questioning the cost of progress and the impact of our collective footprint on the environment.

The vision of pre-European Manhattan, depicted as a breathtaking forest, serves as a visual ode to the untouched, harmonious relationship between nature and the land. Verdant canopies and thriving ecosystems paint a portrait of a pristine wilderness, capturing the essence of a time when Manhattan was a canvas of natural beauty, untouched by the hands of urbanization.

Contrasted against this idyllic past, the portrayal of contemporary New York unveils a stark reality — a concrete jungle that has emerged from the encroachment of human ambition. Skyscrapers pierce the skyline like imposing sentinels of progress, their steel and glass exteriors reflecting the sun in sharp contrast to the organic hues of the past. The once-vibrant forest replaced by rigid structures and unyielding surfaces, an emblem of the transformative power of human civilization.

Through my art, I aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the untamed landscapes of yesteryear and elicit reflection on the choices made in the name of advancement. The juxtaposition serves as a visual metaphor, prompting viewers to question the balance between development and preservation. What have we sacrificed in the pursuit of progress, and can we find a way to coexist harmoniously with the natural world?

“Metamorphosis: Nature’s Retreat to Urban Concrete” invites viewers to engage in a dialogue about the evolving relationship between humanity and nature, urging us to reconsider the trajectory of our urban landscapes and encouraging a renewed appreciation for the delicate equilibrium that once defined the unspoiled beauty of New York’s past.