The Brooklyn Rail

In the streets of New York, where nature’s beauty is often overlooked, the group exhibition Superbloom showcases the complexities of nature, influencing viewers to be more appreciative of its offerings. Superbloom provides a quiet spot for introspection and reflection, similar to the experiences Henry David Thoreau was seeking when he isolated himself at Walden Pond. Throughout Walden, Thoreau illustrates how nature’s presence creates a lasting impression of tranquility and encourages readers to seek fulfillment from its gifts. Thoreau emphasizes how being in touch with nature presents opportunities for spiritual growth and enlightenment, as nature eliminates distractions and allows one to focus on independence and solitude. Thoreau’s Transcendentalist philosophy that nature is a source of spiritualism, discovery, and clarity serves as a testament to the benefits of embracing nature.

Night Gallery at Arsenal Contemporary is located in the center of Cortlandt Alley, behind a sturdy black door and up a set of stairs. On display through August 22, Superbloom includes fourteen artists working across sculpture, photography, painting, and animatronics. Curated by the Night Gallery in Los Angeles, the plain white walls are adorned with passionate, blooming pieces, bridged by the theme of nature.

Commanding immediate attention are two paintings by Mira Dancy, Gabrielino Canopy and Safe Passage (both 2025). With its swirling, squiggly lines composed of vibrant shades of pink, purple, blue, green, and yellow, Gabrielino Canopy depicts an image of trees in a forest. This painting was made with the intent to represent a forest damaged by the Eaton Fire, a destructive wildfire that occurred in January 2025 in Los Angeles. But when I look at the painting, I struggle to find an image of disruption; instead, I see a flourishing forest of extraordinary colors and liveliness. The artist created the painting as a call to action to express a forest in need of renewal, but my immediate impression is how enchanting and inviting it is. In my mind, the colors pink and purple are so uncommon in nature that it makes the use of them seem unusual in a remarkable way, rather than an alarmingly imperfect way.

Safe Passage is slightly smaller and less busy, with similar curving, twisting lines that wrap around the canvas. Blue brushmarks are layered over the deep pink background and form the shape of a woman whose vaguely hidden figure blends within the painted trees. Perhaps the piece is titled Safe Passage because the woman in the trees is supposed to represent Mother Nature, creating a safe space within the danger of a forest. In an unassuming and gentle manner, the soft strokes that comprise the woman’s face add to the soothing characteristic of the painting, contributing to the figure’s sense of security and wisdom.

What initially drew me to this exhibition was the common theme of nature and flowers. Most of these pieces have an extremely picturesque charm and would serve as perfect decoration to make a dull place more lively. But the pieces are not just superficial; they contain a powerful message about the connection between humanity and our natural world.

Featured in the gallery is a painting, Untitled: Observation of a Couple (2025), created by Kemi Onabulé. It depicts a woodland in an earthy-toned palette. Making up a field of grass is a layer of sharp marks, with a dark green snake hidden in between the blades. There are three distinct trees in the background, one is abundantly leafy, while the other two are barren; the rest of the background is full of smushes of paint that make up blurred trees. Effortlessly resting on one of the bare trees is a nude figure of a similar brownish-yellow hue as the trees. Mimicking a tree and serving as the focal point of the painting is a giant human calf and foot, which has hints of red marks forming an open wound with drips of blood. There are small marks on the snake where the artist carved out some of the paint to make white outlines, and the snake appears to be inching its way in the direction of the foot, possibly ready to strike. While the foot appears to be disrupting the serenity of the woodland, it also seems to somewhat blend in with the background, like the small figure who is relaxing in the closeness of nature. The painting shows the presence of humans in nature, how humans can disturb the peace of nature and be hurt in the process when nature fights back, but also how connected and united humans and nature are.

In Superbloom, nature is present in every artwork for the purpose of showing either nature’s blooming and flourishing attributes, or the destructive actions of humans, and how those actions affect nature. Overall, the exhibition plays on the relationship between humans and nature, creating a mental zone where nature can be appreciated. The peaceful atmosphere of Superbloom serves as a calming spot amongst the chaos of the city, encouraging momentary isolation and fostering an environment for valuable thinking. For Thoreau, Walden Pond was a safe space for meaningful insight and connecting with nature. With similar meditative qualities, Superbloom has transformed into the Walden Pond of New York City.