Cj Hendry transforms Rockefeller Center with playful flower market experience
Cj Hendry’s Flower Market 2.0 arrives at Rockefeller Center this September, transforming one of New York City’s most iconic plazas into an immersive art experience that merges creativity, interactivity, and community engagement.
Running from September 19 to September 21, the installation offers a fresh perspective on public art, emphasizing participation and accessibility for a wide audience.
Cj Hendry, renowned for her hyper-realistic drawings and experiential installations—from tactile chromatic studies in her Pastel exhibition at Salon 94 Design to immersive environments—has expanded her concept with twenty-seven new plush flower designs that invite visitors to engage physically and emotionally with her work.
Each guest will be offered one free plush flower, a gesture that reinforces the event’s community-driven ethos, while additional flowers can be purchased for five dollars.
A limited-edition twenty-eighth design, available only at Top of the Rock, adds an exclusive element for collectors and art enthusiasts.
By connecting the installation to Rockefeller Center’s observation deck, Hendry integrates the city’s skyline with her whimsical creations, highlighting the dialogue between art and urban life.
Flower Market 2.0 also features original artworks, editioned floral wall sculptures, and a curated selection of merchandise ranging from tote bags to caps.
These elements provide visitors with tangible mementos while extending the artistic narrative beyond the plaza. The event includes a Flower Cart satellite at Top of the Rock operating late into the night, ensuring accessibility for both locals and tourists.
This level of detail underscores Cj Hendry’s ability to design experiences that are both memorable and meticulously executed.
In addition to the installation, Hendry collaborates with Space Club, a Brooklyn-based sensory playground, for a special pop-up event on September 20. The program encourages families to engage in creative play, reinforcing the installation’s inclusive atmosphere.
By introducing Space Club to Manhattan for the first time, the artist broadens the event’s cultural impact, making Flower Market 2.0 not just an art showcase but a multi-faceted destination.
Cj Hendry’s ongoing exploration of consumer culture and nostalgia is evident in Flower Market 2.0. By transforming ordinary plush flowers into desirable objects, she examines the power of context in shaping perception.
Rockefeller Center’s bustling environment amplifies this theme, as visitors navigate between public art, shopping, and panoramic views.
The installation’s vibrancy, combined with its hands-on approach, ensures that Flower Market 2.0 resonates as both a visual spectacle and a communal celebration, continuing the artist’s experiential floral exploration as Cj Hendry creates interactive Secret Garden with Sulwhasoo.
All images courtesy of Cj Hendry
