A mysterious floral artist has taken over the New York Botanical Garden

A mysterious floral artist known as Mr. Flower Fantastic has taken over the New York Botanical Garden. He has worked with famous names like Serena Williams and Michael Jordan, and brands such as Nike and Louis Vuitton.

Recently, he created a portrait of Derrick Rose using thousands of roses and carnations on an outdoor basketball court in Chicago. This was done in the middle of winter and drew hundreds of people.

The Anonymous Artist

Mr. Flower Fantastic, also called "MFF" or "Flower," keeps his identity secret to keep the focus on his art. He often wears a gas mask and gloves in public. These items hide his face and protect him because he is allergic to flowers.

For his new show at the New York Botanical Garden, he showed a reporter around without his mask or gloves. He is a lifelong New Yorker. He saw this collaboration as a chance to show the city's hidden beauty. He wants people to see the ordinary structures we often overlook in a new light.

One example is a dumpster, painted matte black and filled with white moth orchids and English ivy.

Another piece features a manhole cover surrounded by purple and yellow moth orchids, yellow slipper orchids, and pink and white Dancing Lady orchids.

A more dramatic installation shows a car wash with a taxi made of real and synthetic carnations. Mr. Flower Fantastic says the carnation is his favorite flower. He believes it is often overlooked but can achieve extraordinary things with creativity.

From Graffiti to Gardens

Mr. Flower Fantastic learned to love flowers from his mother's garden in Jamaica, Queens. He also spent time in Jamaica, where his family lives. He said his mother taught him the gift of gardening and the values of time, patience, love, and care. His mother visits the show every day.

He was once a graffiti artist. One of his old tags is recreated in flowers in the show. When he first started working with flowers, he would leave his designs on the streets as gifts. He would share clues to their locations on Instagram.

He never intended for flowers to become his professional work. The garden was a place for family and peace. But as he got older, he wanted to put good into the world. He sees his art as a way to leave his mark.

In 2018, Serena Williams' agent asked him to create a large floral sneaker for her Nike "Queen" Air Max 97 launch. He worked with fashion designer Virgil Abloh, which changed his approach to art. After presenting the sculpture to Williams, his career took off.

The Orchid Show: Concrete Jungle

Mr. Flower Fantastic's studio is north of Manhattan. There, he and his team create installations globally. He is interested in sculpture, photography, film, and set design. He wanted his show, The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic's Concrete Jungle, to feel like an immersive film set with life-sized installations. About 85 people, mostly from the New York Botanical Garden, helped create it.

He describes the show as a "portal" or "time capsule" of moments where his creativity bloomed. He believes the space is empty without the people who bring it to life. He wants visitors to feel like family.

Before the garden opened, he walked through the show, greeting workers. He pointed out details like the black water around a replica brownstone, which reflects the orchids' colors. He also noted the "Orchid Toppings" on a pizza shop sign, which include edible orchids and vanilla seeds. Some orchids are protected, and others are toxic.

The show also includes "Easter Eggs," like publications with flower-related names.

Mr. Flower Fantastic is proud of his work and grateful for his career. He finds joy in celebrating moments with flowers, which offer comfort and celebration. He feels honored by the trust placed in him by the universe, God, and Mother Nature.

The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic's Concrete Jungle is at the New York Botanical Garden in New York City through April 26.