This exhibition is a celebration of the pivotal role of our local parks and gardens as sources of leisure, renewal, clarity, and inspiration.
The Latin phrase Rus in Urbe translates as "country in the city." The term, initially coined by the Latin Epigrammist Martial (A.D. c. 40 - 104), refers to the illusion, generally created by design, of the countryside running through the heart of a city.
Since their earliest inception in 1854, New Orleans parks have served as the 'Rus' within the 'Urbe' of the metropolis. These parks, like many of their European counterparts, were once the exclusive domain of the wealthy. However, as the city expanded, these lands were acquired and transformed into green spaces purposefully designed for the recreation and welfare of the general public. Yet, the benefits of these parks transcend mere recreational use. Like science and art museums, the finest public parks are designed to instruct the mind and elevate the spirit. They are the subject of immense local pride and shape the way people relate to the landscape and one another, a place to define and solidify community relationships and values.
This exhibition is a celebration of the pivotal role of our local parks and gardens as sources of leisure, renewal, clarity, and inspiration. Showcasing works inspired by scenes in New Orleans parks, these five artists offer visions of nature ennobled by art. Their works invite the viewer to experience the same sense of upliftment and rejuvenation that these parks provide, sparking a new perspective and appreciation for the transformative power of art and nature.
Rus in Urbe is a visual testament to the landscape that surrounds us, a landscape that has witnessed the passage of time and the shaping of our political, cultural, social, and economic heritage. These parks reflect our past and offer a vision and message that can resonate in the present and positively shape our future. This hopeful message reminds us of these urban public parks' enduring power, instilling hope and optimism in our collective future.
"The measure of any great civilization is its cities, and the measure of a city's greatness is to be found in the quality of its public spaces, its parks and squares." - John Ruskin
