Falling Leaves from Babel brings together the work of eight artists from different parts of the world who came together in Brooklyn, New York, as strangers with a common goal – to create their art. Like many before them, these eight artists traversed oceans, continents, and states, leaving behind everything familiar to venture into the unknown streets of New York to pursue new ideas and visions. Falling Leaves from Babel is a meditation on their autumn spent in New York in the Uncool Artist Residency. Falling Leaves from Babel showcases each artist’s individual work and is a testament to their collective shared experience in this residency.

Each artist adopts varying mediums, ranging from traditional painting techniques to self-taught approaches, while others utilize fabric and hand-sewing or video games and interactive technology. Their artistic practices and the intentions behind their processes also differ. However, common threads run through their work, such as the search for human connection and the pursuit of a sense of belonging or shelter; These desires are inherently human but become especially poignant with hints of New York City seen woven throughout the works.

Ultimately, this show is not about finding common threads between the works, but rather it’s about acknowledging the connections and collaborations among the artists that led to new creative developments, series, and directions for each of them. This show is about how they inspired each other to take creative leaps and push their boundaries beyond their comfort zones. Together, the combination of their individual energies and perspectives has created a unique alchemy that is specific to this group of artists.

Perhaps, Steven L. Anderson’s piece, 130 Years, can be seen as a fitting metaphor for this show. At first glance, it may seem like a single image of a tree ring on paper. However, upon closer examination, it is revealed that the image was created by meticulously layering individual strips of paper, which he then draws on top of to build one comprehensive image. Similarly, this show has assembled together individual pieces, all created in Brooklyn, to create a cohesive whole.

By Julie McKim