"Revolution!"

In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the United States, we took a trip to the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art to experience “Revolution!” Tucked away within the maze of the museum’s wing of American art, this temporary exhibition brings together objects created before, during, and after the Revolutionary War, offering a layered view of a transformative era in American history. At the center of the installation are a series of prints, a medium that enabled artists to produce and circulate powerful imagery quickly, helping to spread revolutionary ideas during the upheaval of the late 18th century. The matrices used to create the original prints are incredibly detailed, showcasing the artists’ dedication to not only their craft but to unshackling the colonies from the rule of the British crown. Together, these works invite reflection on the many histories that shaped the United States, from Indigenous sovereignty to ongoing debates about liberty and identity, issues that continue to resonate in the present day. If you are looking to engage with a piece of US history and see some beautiful pieces of art, we highly recommend you stop by this exhibit!

Artists whose work is featured:

Asher Brown Durand

Anonymous, French, 18th century

Philip Dawe

“All One” by Jason McCormack

We love to explore the many pockets of nature within New York City, and this week we had the pleasure of exploring Riverside Park South, a recreational area along the Hudson River which blends the industrial heritage of the New York Central Railroad’s 60th Street Yard, with modern landscaping and design. Rising naturally from this setting is “All One” by Jason McCormack of the Art Students League. Composed of three distinct human heads wrapped in rotating bands of primary color, the sculpture draws attention to the layered histories of its location and the complexity of individual identity. Each color reflects the richness of human diversity, while the unified form and title gently underscore a shared connection, reminding us that despite our differences, we are part of one human story.

“The Raft” by Kenneth Doherty

While exploring Riverside Park last week, we came across “The Raft” by Kenneth Doherty, a member of the Art Students League of New York, and knew it merited its own post. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Hudson River, the piece seems to emerge from the water itself, as though rising from unseen depths. The sculpture portrays a group clustered tightly on a tilted platform, their bodies leaning together in uneasy balance. Some faces convey fear and urgency, while others project quiet resilience, hinting at a shared struggle. Although the narrative is left open-ended, the figures suggest flight, an escape from unknown forces. The work inevitably calls to mind contemporary images of refugees navigating perilous seas, as well as the broader political tensions and environmental uncertainties that drive such journeys. In its stillness, “The Raft” captures motion, vulnerability, and endurance all at once, inviting viewers to confront both human fragility and collective strength.