Las Flores

2007 Cleveland Street (J, Z) New York City Transit

Amy Cheng’s series of four compositions, installed in windscreens along the station's platforms, are designed as imaginative land and skyscapes representing mystery and adventure. They refer to the largeness of life, the wonders and mystery of the natural world, rendered in resplendent color and form.

As an immigrant, Cheng feels a deep affinity with the neighborhoods along the line, particularly the diversity of the residents. A Turkish restaurant sits cheek-by-jowl with a Japanese restaurant, which faces a Spanish bodega, which shares the sidewalk with a Chinese green grocer, who faces an Italian bakery, who neighbors an Afghan restaurant, and so on. It is as if the places of business were proclaiming in unison: "We come from all over the globe, we have chosen to make our living in this corner of Brooklyn, and we want to share the riches of our culture and cuisine with you."

Whether from this year or 100 years ago, it takes courage for immigrants to leave the safety of the familiar and set out for the greater unknown world. "Rediscovery" echoes the human longing for discovery, adventure, and spiritual quests.