WEB EXCLUSIVE
By Brooke Ferber
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City invites  visitors to experience “The Roof Garden Commission: Imran Qureshi.” This exhibit first opened on May 14, 2013, and will continue through until November 3, 2013.  Imran Quesrshi, a Pakistani artist, “flooded” the rooftop with red acrylic paints , an innovative method transforming the paint into thickets of decorated leaves that echo the foliage of Central Park with extravagant patterns. Qureshi’s focus on Central Park is very appropriate because the rooftop has a magnificent view of the park’s 843 acres. Feeling like a true “Gossip Girl,” I could see all Manhattan had to offer: the Plaza Hotel, the Chrysler Building and Central Park .
What struck me the most about this exhibit was Qureshi’s powerful, political message. The red acrylic paint  symbolizes the blood that is spilled on a daily basis by bombings in Lahore, Pakistan . Qureshi further explains that the  “spilling” of the paint reflect the effects of violence. Ironically, he further analyzes that “at the same time, this is where a dialogue with life, with new beginnings and fresh hope starts.” Qureshi wants his message to be interpreted as inspiration for the blossoming of growth, recovery and regeneration.
This exhibit made me ponder modern society and global politics. I think that Qureshi is trying to open people’s minds, daring  them to think. I strongly encourage everyone to venture to the Upper East Side to marvel at this exhibit before it closes.