Nynke Koster Prepares Upcoming Show “A Part of New York History” at LMAKgallery

LMAKgallery is hosting a unique project that will take place on Saturday, June 3rd, (12-4 p.m.) and Thursday, June 15, (5-8 p.m.) at the gallery with Nynke Koster, a Dutch artist and designer. These events are connected to her upcoming solo exhibition, A Part of New York History (working title) at the gallery in November of this year.

While researching the Dutch roots in the History of New York City, Koster has found many striking links and proud moments in our shared history. However, she also uncovered many shadows and darker
undertones, which have been frequently dismissed, not addressed, or simply ignored by most observers. For example, the forgotten African American Burial plots outside the city limits. (One of them is African American Burial Ground, which is located in Tribeca, surrounded by Federal Buildings and City Hall). Over time these plots of land were forgotten, which motivated Koster to create awareness for this often lost past and bring honor to the deceased, giving them dignity and recognition.

Koster will make a life-size walkway, molded from the fingers of the descendants of African American slaves. The molds will form a memorial to the ancestors as their fingers will symbolically and actually reach out from under ground to call attention to their burial plots. In this way, we aim to recognize our mutual past and remember those who have gone before us, and give them the dignity they deserve.

To make this project a reality, Nynke Koster and LMAKgallery needs your help. If you are of African-American descendant of a slave and would like to be part of this project, please email them at bart@lmakgallery.com along with your preferred day. Please note, that a part of the proceeds will go to the African-American Burial Ground Foundation to support their mission.