Floral Sculptures Inspired By Global Destinations At Hudson Yard

Today I went to Hudson Yards to see the floral sculptures inspired by different countries: Canada, India, Puerto Rico, Japan, France, Ghana, and others. The exhibit is called VOYAGE and is presented on the first floor of Hudson Yards shopping mall. 

Local New York City florists took part in the exhibition. Each of them had to decorate 10-foot mannequins with fresh flowers. 

I loved the idea. Every florist used a specific color to represent the destination they chose. For example, for Canada, Whistler, the florist used white flowers that were coming down the dress train, to show the snowy mountains of Whistler, one of the most famous skiing destinations in the world. 

Another sculpture representing Spain was done in completely different colors. The mannequin was covered in red and golden yellow flowers and represented the tradition of bullfighting with its heat and passion. 

Finally, the florist that represented India showed a traditional Saree, a very colorful and uniquely draped gown that dates back thousands of years. Made with different colored roses, it is a bright and elegant composition that does a great job representing the traditional fashion of India. 

One thing that disappointed me about the exhibition was that the sculptures were spread throughout the first floor, and even though it makes sense knowing that the exhibit is presented in a shopping mall, it was still a little distracting with a lot of people all around and the sculptures positioned in all the different places. I found out I missed a couple of them even though I thought I saw everything walking around the first floor. 

Nevertheless, the exhibition is very interesting and does a great job portraying different countries in their own unique ways. And what makes it even more exciting is the interactive part. Everyone can get a paper and vote for their favorite sculpture, and if you find yourself particularly charmed by the flowers, you can visit a class taught by a local florist. 

Article and photos by Mary Zakharova