"Manifest Destiny" on Display at Nurture Nature

The Alexis Rockman painting, 2004, is an interesting and impressive artwork, but what does it mean?

According to the artist, it is a depiction of a possible Brooklyn, NY waterfront in the year 5000 AD. The use of the word “possible” refers to the artist’s idea of a future that has been shaped by a “business as usual” approach to climate and global warming - in other words, following our current environmental policies and practices.

The first thing one may notice is the overall reddish pallor of the painting. This suggests increased atmospheric heating and its accompanying ability to hold larger amounts of pollution.

We also notice that sea level has risen to inundate many recognizable structures, as well as, some new additions. Many species of flora and fauna populate the painting; some are recognizable natives while others are invasive tropical species driven north by warmer conditions.

In the upper left of the painting we see a small stand of mangrove trees growing on a decaying bridge. In this possible year 5000, after the melting of the Greenland and polar ice caps, salty ocean waters have risen and infiltrated the East River causing brackish conditions allowing species such as mangroves to thrive. How many other plant and animal species can you identify in the painting?

The most intriguing aspect of “Manifest Destiny” is the absence of mankind. There are plenty of indirect references to man’s impact on our planet, such as ruined buildings, boats and aircraft, but no direct appearance by people. What do you think the artist’s means by this omission? Is it doomsday or a new start for mankind and nature?

- By Tom Maxfield

For a closer look at “Manifest Destiny” visit us at ,
518 Northampton Street in Easton on Wednesdays  10am - 1pm or Saturdays
1pm - 4pm.