Orchids bring Mexican Modernism to life at the NYBG

Orchids are not specific to [Barragán’s] work, but it’s our personal twist to add a little more personality to the space.”

Kenia Pittman, NYBG’s Director of Exhibition and Design Operations

Bold architectural elements intertwined with lush, vivid flora are bringing visitors into the world of Mexican modernism at the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show.

This is the NYBG’s 22nd year highlighting orchids from around the globe. This year’s display honors the work of one of Mexico’s most influential architects, Luis Barragán, celebrating his use of rich colors and striking geometric shapes in an interpretive tribute to Mexico’s cultural identity and heritage.

“We’ve chosen such a unique color palette this year to bring out the beautiful vibrancy of Mexican culture itself, but it also brings the conservatory alive,” Kenia Pittman said, NYBG’s Director of Exhibition and Design Operations. “[Barragán] is known for his play on colors and shadows, those bright pink hues with the purples and its beautiful juxtaposition with the natural plants.”

Mexican Modernism was an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, sparked by the Mexican Revolution. It rejected colonialism and sought to embrace Mexican identity and pride. The style’s distinct elements reflect the country’s complex history, indigenous roots, and a push for social change, spotlighting the struggles of the working class.

The style explores various artistic mediums, from architecture to murals. Other prominent Mexican Modernists include Frida Kahlo, José Luis Cuevas and Diego Rivera.

Textured minimalism fused with bright pinks, deep reds and rich blues is central to Barragán’s work, a theme embraced throughout the exhibit. Although the angular installations are true to the architect’s vision, NYBG has taken a novel approach to his creations.

“Orchids are not specific to [Barragán’s] work, but it’s our own personal twist to add a little more personality to the space,” Pittman said. “He wanted the landscape to be part of the home. That’s what visitors are able to experience here. They feel like they’re in a courtyard, immersed in the space as they walk the pathways.”

The thousands of elegant orchids in bloom create a stark juxtaposition with the harsh lines and angles of Barragán's design, captivating visitors as they walk through the conservatory with each room offering a unique layout.

The show explores interpretations of Barragán’s work and the Mexican Modernist movement while also paying tribute to the architect’s iconic designs.

“We've introduced another moment which is an homage to a famous work of his, which is El Pedregal, where it was a landscape of rock formation,” Pittman added.

“Casa Pedregal” (1940s) is one of Barragán’s most prominent works, fusing landscape with architecture and known for its play of light and reflections, filling the rooms with vivid colors. The NYBG’s interpretation transports visitors from New York’s harsh winter into an unconventional paradise.

Providing an immersive experience authentic to the modernist movement was key to putting on this event. In the conservatory’s seasonal hall, visitors are transported to the streets of Mexico City with vibrant facades of traditional homes flanked by native Mexican plants, featuring cacti.

“Walking through the [seasonal hall], you’re also surrounded in an environment of orchids layered onto those colors and geometry and along the side beds,” Pittman said.

There is also a sensory table inviting visitors to explore fragrant orchids up close and learn about the specimens, plants, and different types of orchids that grow in the conservatory.

Those who want to delve even further into the flora aspect of the show can gain knowledge from on-site horticulturists working the exhibit and explore the orchids of Mexico preserved by the NYBG’s William and Lynda Steere Herbarium -- the largest in the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world.

Inside its walls is a collection of more than seven million plant specimens dating back hundreds of years.

“We have added a feature of our orchid experts from the horticulture staff,” Claire Janda said, NYBG’s Manager of Public Programming. “They’re here on select dates from noon to 4 p.m. over in our research station. They’re available to answer your questions about orchid care, provide more information about advanced orchids you may want to learn about, and then also give you a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibition.”

Visitors have the chance to learn how the orchid specimens are collected, preserved, mounted and categorized. The horticulture table also showcases preserved orchids native to Mexico and offers an opportunity to create your own preserved specimen to take home in a truly immersive experience.

The Orchid Show continues after dark, transforming the conservatory into an authentic fiesta. The traditional sounds of Mexico fill the space for this 21-plus event which offers a unique opportunity to dance the night away to the cumbia sonidera beats of DJ Helltones. The Latin genre utilizes traditional instruments like the guacharaca, a type of maraca, blended with voice and electronic variation.

“For the daytime, we hope it’s an opportunity to dive into more of the science and botany behind these programs and the exhibitions because orchids are so complex,” Janda said. “And for the nights, we're really excited to celebrate the culture of Mexico City and bring it to life through dance.”

The Orchid Show runs through April 27.