Past Exhibits October 2003 to Present

Public Perspectives Season
Independence Community Gallery at BHS
Exhibit website: www.upfromflames.com

Up From Flames: Mapping the Recovery of Bushwick 1977-2007
Curated by Adam J. Schwartz, Meryl Meisler, Josh Lapidus, Tim Evans and students from the Academy for Urban Planning
On view from May 23 to August 26, 2007
Opening reception on Thursday, June 7, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Today, Bushwick is one of Brooklyn's “hottest” neighborhoods, abuzz with construction, renovation, and aspiration. With a burgeoning arts scene and convergence of Latin American people, Bushwick is truly one of Brooklyn’s most dynamic communities. Thirty years ago, however, Bushwick was a very different place. In the aftermath of a 1977 blackout in NYC, rife burning and looting took place and finally caught the attention of the city and the country after a period of neglect. It was during those darkest hours that Bushwick’s recovery began, and it continues to this day.

Up From Flames literally maps out this success of urban planning and community strength. The installation brings the mapping process to life through a mix of maps, primary documents - including important articles from the NY Daily News and The New York Times - and interviews with public officials and residents of the area. Most intriguingly, the painting and drawing on photography by renowned NYC artist Meryl Meisler will be displayed. Meisler’s work, which captured the ruins of Bushwick, also hints at the new life that has grown up from flames. This exhibit conveys how far Bushwick has come, and looks to where the neighborhood is headed.
 


Public Perspectives has been made possible by a generous grant from the Lily Auchincloss Foundation  .

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