Curatorial collective Big Paradise is pleased to present the exhibition, Roots, in participation with Upstate Art Weekend from August 27 through 29, 2021. Roots will take place at Granja Paraiso, a small herbal garden, farm and chicken coop in Germantown, NY, where artist and curator Katiushka Melo Green resides.

The presentation, titled Roots, is inspired by the story of a friend from a Mexican indigenous tribe: from generation to generation, a seed is inherited and planted. Within the growth of the forest you can see her literal ancestral roots, the passing of time is seen in each ring of the tree. The most essential meaning of the word Roots is the basic cause, source, or origin of something. Roots can induce a wide array of feelings: a primal connection, belonging to a family, and also life and nature. It evokes deep attachment. Artists from diverse cultural backgrounds are invited to present a work that questions their personal interpretation of Roots. The presentation will feature more than 20 artists from around the world working in different mediums including on-site installation and performance art. It will also spotlight a few local artists, who have made their own recent migration from the city and explore their place within their new community and natural setting.

Granja Paraiso sits across 5 acres that include a renovated studio, a rustic barn, a robust garden and a chicken coop, with fields of open space. The audience will enter Granja Paraiso through the herb gardens passing through durational and programmed performances. Approaching the art studio, you are greeted by an on-site installation by Ryan Franck that can be viewed from both inside and out. The barn will have two installations and a video piece set aside the chicken coop. Paintings, mixed mideo, digital art and sculpture fill the transformational 'gallery spaces.' As the sun sets, performance artists activate the land with dance, sound and a gong ceremony. See the performance schedule and artist list for more details.

Participating Artists: AES+F, Sama Alshaibi, Laurel Atwell, Maarten Baas, Bayo Alvaro, Antonio Bokel, Miguel Cardenas, Patricia Domingez, Ryan Frank, Christy Gast, Stanton Jones, Cy Melina-Kai Lauz, Mariangela Lopez, Jodie Lyn-Kee-Chow, Alexandra Mabes, Yeni Mao, Katiushka Melo Green, Mor Mendel, Madeleine Roger Lacan, Veronica Santiago Moniello, Sebastian Silva, Van der Kritz, Nick Van Woert, Audra Wolowiec

For more information and press images, please contact Casey Burry at caseyburry@gmail.com