NYC Gazette

NYU's Gallatin Galleries is hosting "Heartwood," the first solo exhibition in New York by artist Tali Weinberg. The exhibition, which runs from October 30 to November 26, 2024, explores the complex relationship between humans and trees, focusing on the impact of fossil fuel extraction.

Weinberg employs various artistic techniques such as dyeing, coiling, coding data, and weaving with both hand and computer-assisted looms. Her work draws parallels between landscapes and human anatomy to highlight connections between environmental changes and health issues.

Gallery curator Keith Miller remarks that Weinberg's exhibition presents "a deeply researched and personal view of nature as a system of which we are a part." He praises her ability to merge textile traditions with environmental concerns to create intricate works.

The artworks feature silhouettes of endangered tree species crafted from plastic and plant fibers. These pieces are displayed upside down to symbolize lungs, arteries, and roots. Additionally, thousands of expired tourniquets form colorful tree rings while climate data-coded cotton threads wrap around medical tubing vines to depict rising temperatures. Shredded New York Times Magazines contribute to tactile color fields representing climate-related themes.

Weinberg expresses hope that her work encourages reflection on the connections between physical bodies and ecosystems. She draws inspiration from trees' heartwood as symbols of resilience amid grief.

Her artwork has been included in collections at institutions like the Berkeley Art Museum and exhibited globally. Weinberg holds an MFA from California College of the Arts along with degrees from New York University. She currently resides in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.

"Heartwood" is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays until 5:00 p.m., with an opening reception scheduled for October 30.

Gallatin Galleries at NYU provides a platform for innovative art intersecting various forms of expression with societal themes since its founding in 2008 under curator Keith Miller's guidance.