I decided that even though we were going through uncharted waters as a city and a planet because of the pandemic of 2020-2021, there was something positive I could do as an artist while confined. In Manhattan, in my small part of the city which is downtown in the west village, I wandered the streets that were barren, shops boarded up, traffic silent. I imagined a parallel universe, another reality,a dream city where nature would also roam the streets and bring magic and wonder as a gesture of both healing and optimism. These oversized animals,these magicians, are curious and playful.
They are my companions.They are companions to the New Yorkers who have felt lost or fearful. They are our hope.
The series,approx. 300 digital photo collages I made using my Ipad and combining found pics with my own photos I took of the city in lockdown and after,starts in black and white. As Spring seems to be just around the corner,the images gradually transform into color. The series runs simultaneously on the same timeline as the evolution of the Covid pandemic. At this writing,which is now June of 2021, my city is almost fully reopened. As art imitates life, When My City Was Magic is transforming into The Esho Funi Festival. Esho Funi, from Nichiren Buddhism , roughly translates as the oneness of self and environment .
In this series which continues to evolve as our environment evolves and recovers, humans and nature celebrate together the beauty and necessity of both play and harmony. The Esho Funi Festival pops up randomly in parks, on street corners,at well known tourist sights,anywhere and everywhere in my New York City….as medicine for the soul.
Self portrait. Joy.
Opening day. Little Island.
Opening Day. Little Island. The world is alive again.
Self portrait. Appreciation.
Self portrait. Oneness of self and environment. Or, how to take a nap with complete ease.
This is the QR code link to my portfolio/artist page on the Westbeth site. Find me under Susannah Kelly.
Definition of Esho Funi
At the mural near Union Square. Paying respects.
Words of comfort.
A message from those who believe; we will get through this.
The sign found on the street says it all.
We New Yorkers have a wicked sense of humor.
Walking by my old elementary school which is vacant. Playmates wait outside to lift the spirits of other lonely wanderers. The streets are cold and empty. This will not last forever.
We are here to assist you. Thank you for your patronage. Masks required.
Emerging from the Path train….what will we find?
My goodness….everything is shut down. Bringing sustenance to the neighborhood.
We can play in the snow with our masks on. And we have a helper.
Winter into Spring. Greeters on the Hudson Pier.
Like the sign reads on the bus. Time to lift up our spirits.
At the Highline. We approve of this human’s artwork.
Gather around my ambassadors of color. Time to stroll the pier.
We are the parade on the Hudson Pier. Off to wave our flags and announce Spring is coming.
Nature’s mother and savior of the flowers. In my courtyard where I live, Westbeth Artist Housing.
Tending to all things green and wonderful. Helpers on The Highline.
At last, we have arrived at Little Island. And what a glorious sight it is!
Another part of the parade approaches Little Island eager to see it before opening day.
Esho Funi Festival. Little Island, Hudson Pier. New York City. The city is magic, exquisite in color. New spaces to breathe and listen and sleep amongst the sounds of music and the smell of the river.
Rare sighting of the Highline helpers as they plant, nurture and conjure .
