In Full Bloom: Cj Hendry’s Immersive Flower Market Exhibition

Known for her impressive hyper-realistic artworks, Australian artist Cj Hendry is breaking new ground with her latest exhibition, Flower Market.

Photos: Cj Hendry Studio

Nestled in the peaceful setting of FDR Four Freedoms State Park, this vibrant showcase invites visitors to wander through a lush greenhouse brimming with 100,000 plush flowers. Working in collaboration with luxury beauty brand Clé de Peau Beauté, Hendry taps into the natural radiance of botanicals to craft a sensory-rich journey that blends art and nature.

Ahead of the exhibition’s opening on September 13th, we had the opportunity to chat with Cj Hendry about her creative process, the influence of her artistic journey on this ambitious project, and the impact she hopes to leave on her audience.

IG: Your previous works, like the amazing hyper-realistic drawings and immersive installations, have gained significant acclaim. How have these projects influenced your current approach to creating art, particularly with the upcoming Flower Market exhibition?

Cj: Over the years, I’ve always centered myself around creating hyper-realistic drawings and dream-like immersions which invite people to reach beyond the ordinary.

The intention of Flower Market is to continue pushing the boundaries of materiality and scale, with viewers interpreting beauty through the collective lens of myself, Clé de Peau Beauté, and FDR Four Freedoms State Park.

The materiality of the exhibition juxtaposes luxury with nature and childhood. While the scale allows people to live within the artwork, rather than simply looking at it. We wanted to create the sensation of exploring a whimsical fantasy far removed from our day-to-day experience.

IG: Can you share the inspiration behind Flower Market and how it evolved into an immersive floral experience?

Cj: From the beginning, our brainstorms with the Clé de Peau Beauté team have been very intuitive. I remember admiring their brand in my early days, now relying on their products for many years, always closely associating them with radiance. Thinking about my favorite product, The Serum, we leaned into its foundational element, the Radiant Lily. I was encouraged by their team to run with this concept at a truly grand scale. We filled a 120’ by 40’ greenhouse with 100,000 plush flowers, each meticulously crafted to embody the elements and prestige of Clé de Peau Beauté products.

IG: Your art often includes social commentary on luxury. How does Flower Market continue this theme, and what message do you wish to convey through this exhibition?

Cj: Flower Market is a lush and abundant environment which explores how-and-why we consume luxury products, from here in New York and all the way to Japan.

For me, luxury is about designing with intention and craftsmanship, giving thought to the broader experience and community in its presentation. I believe it’s important to actively seek out beauty in life, surrounding yourself with beauty in the most holistic way imaginable.

IG: The Radiant Lily plays a significant role in the exhibition. What drew you to this particular botanical element?

Cj: The Radiant Lily is the core ingredient in The Serum, which I’ve adored for quite some time. It’s traditionally known for elegance, simplicity, and purity which closely aligns with the ethos of my artwork and Clé de Peau Beauté’s products. We wanted to evoke a sense of effortless beauty within people, through nature.

IG: The exhibition also includes flowers inspired by the Roosevelt family. How did their history and heritage shape your choices for the floral arrangements?

Cj: Partnering with FDR Four Freedoms State Park, we were excited to learn more about the legacy of The Roosevelts, which is so clearly woven into the design and feeling of the space. Flowers have a way of sparking remembrance. It’s a very thoughtful and intimate thing to remember someone’s favorite flower. In this spirit, we chose yellow roses for Eleanor, red roses for Franklin, and tulips as a nod to their Dutch roots.

IG: The greenhouse installation at the FDR Four Freedoms State Park is very impressive in scale. Can you walk us through your creative process in designing this large area adorned with 100,000 plush flowers?

Cj: I’ve learned that scale can be a powerful tool in evoking emotion. Partnering with Clé de Peau Beauté, I wanted to visualize their impact within the beauty world. The expansive greenhouse and thousands of plush flowers come together to inspire a sense of wonder, encouraging people to think bigger within their own lives. For those who ride the ferry to Roosevelt Island, taking in the expansive waters and fresh air becomes another intriguing step along this whimsical journey.

IG: For those who can’t experience Flower Market in person, you’ve created a virtual experience. How do you hope this digital interaction will convey the essence of the exhibition?

Cj: The essence of the exhibition is beauty, radiance, and wonder. We wanted everyone to join in on the fun, no matter where they live, picking and even personalizing their own plush flower virtually. Our shared goal as artist and brand is for people to walk away with a renewed sense of radiance within themselves, and connection within our communities.

Flower Market is open to the public from September 13th to the 15th at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park on Roosevelt Island, New York.

Event information:

When: September 13-15, from 10am to 4pm
Where: 1 FDR Four Freedoms State Park, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044

New location for Sunday, September 15th:
Industry City
51 34th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Free registration & additional info:
flowermarket.nyc
cjhendrystudio.com

Exhibition images by Antonio Ajam: