Grow in Bed-Stuy Exhibition
Magnolia Tree Earth Center
Co-created with Dubravka Antić, D2A Studio | Liminal
Summer 2024
Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
20’ x 10’ collage, indoor greenhouse, stair and lighting installation.
Part I - Past Room
Welcome to The Past, a heartfelt homage to the pioneers who laid the roots of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center. This room honors the steadfast supporters, board members, and donors whose contributions have intertwined with the center's rich history. A vibrant collage of archival photos, sourced from the Brooklyn Historical Society, offers a glimpse into the lives and events that have shaped our journey. The room’s striking red mesh draping over the currently inaccessible stairwell not only signifies the historical depth of the center but also hints at the future potential of the upper floors, awaiting transformation into spaces for community engagement and environmental education. A display of garden supplies sit across on under the brick arch as a homage to “Hattie’s tools” that she used to reclaim spaces and advocate for environmentalism in Bed-Stuy.
Part II - Present Room
Step into The Present, where the rejuvenation of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center is vividly brought to life. From 2022 - 2024, a collective effort by board leadership, new members, and local supporters raised funds, marking a significant milestone in the center's revival. This crucial funding facilitated the removal of scaffolding, installation of new flooring, and an upgraded stoop, enhancing accessibility. In this room, a greenhouse situated in the 1st floor parlor symbolizes this transformation. Just as the greenhouse fosters the growth of seedlings, it represents the center’s blossoming potential and commitment to nurturing new opportunities and vibrant community programming.
Part III - Future Room
Explore The Future, a space dedicated to envisioning the endless possibilities awaiting the Magnolia Tree Earth Center. Here, the past and present blend seamlessly into a hopeful vision of what lies ahead. A mirrored surface invites you to see reflections of yourself and the community, intertwined with projected images of archival photos and current-day snapshots. This dynamic interplay anchors Hattie’s legacy while encouraging imaginative thinking about the center’s future. As you navigate this room, contemplate how the center might continue to evolve and how each of us can be a part of its ongoing story. The red, green, and now black room also convey the Black Liberation flag. Sometimes also called the Marcus Garvey flag, it was meant to serve as a marker of freedom, pride, and the political power of Black Americans.