Experience CHIAOZZA, an exhibit of imaginative, colorful sculptures and wall works displayed across New England Botanic Garden through October 15, 2023. Discover the surprising creative parallels between growing plants and making art in a show inspired by the wonders of the plant world.
In this lively and playful exhibition, Brooklyn-based artists Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao explore the curious forms found in grafted trees and plants. Strolling through the gardens, visitors will encounter a series of 10 large sculptures called “Gemels” ranging in height from five to ten feet each. The works themselves, painted paper pulp forms set on white pedestals, emerge along walking paths, nestled among plantings, in flower beds, under trees, and even in a fountain. As part of the exhibition, additional sculptures, wall works, and a short film created by the artists are on view inside the Milton Gallery.
CHIAOZZA (rhymes with “wowza” or “yowza”) is inspired by Leo Lionni, best known for his numerous acclaimed children’s books, such as Inch by Inch and Frederick, wrote the book Parallel Botany, in which he explored the world of “parallel”—or imagined—plants. He presented very convincing folklore, scientific studies, histories, and illustrations of extraordinary and peculiar plants that exist in parallel with those of the visible world, all of which were invented by him. For more information, visit https://nebg.org/chiaozza/
