“Governors Island Arts and NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) have opened Other of Pearl, a site-specific public art exhibition by Jenny Kendler telling the story of our planet’s changing climate, in the historic Fort Jay on Governors Island. 

Other of Pearl considers the oyster and whale as central players in the ecological and economic entanglement between human and nonhuman beings. The artist confronts contemporary environmental issues—ocean noise, chemical pollution, climate change and sea level rise—while pointing to the extractive histories that form the origin stories of our climate crisis.

Kendler’s first solo exhibition in New York City, Other of Pearl features a series of seven intimate, delicate works—all displayed in the cavernous, subterranean magazine of historic Fort Jay, a star-shaped fortification built on Governors Island between 1775 and 1776. In darkened rooms that echo with whale song, visitors encounter pearl sculptures grown inside oysters, bells rung by fossilized whale ear bones, a crystalline whale eye cast of sea salt and human tears, glass vials filled with oil from long dead whales, and a human nervous system meticulously strung from thousands of tiny pearls. In the adjoining galleries, two large handblown glass instruments evoke the organs humpback and sperm whales use to communicate, inviting visitors sonic’ activation. David Gruber of Project CETI has provided the whale recordings that become part of these sound works.” — Governors Island Arts

“I am thrilled that Other of Pearl is the centerpiece of our 2024 Governors Island Arts programming,” said Lauren Haynes, Head Curator and Vice President for Arts and Culture at the Trust for Governors Island. “Working with Jenny, NRDC, and the Governors Island team on a project that touches on many of the pillars of our programming has been a delight and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the Island this summer to experience it.”

“While climate change can be overwhelming, confusing and polarizing—art has a unique ability to reach people and help us process the challenge,” said Kristin Wilson-Palmer, Chief Communications Officer for NRDC. “This beautiful and powerful new exhibit from Jenny Kendler brings people together for reflection and conversation on the most significant environmental challenge of our time—and, hopefully, will inspire them to act.”

Photos by Timothy Schenck.

Images courtesy Governors Island Arts.