Artist Transforms Recycled Denim Into Stunning “Secret Garden” Installation

Secret Garden Installation by Ian Berry

Photo: Sam Hockley

For many, denim is a wardrobe staple, but for London-based artist Ian Berry, it’s a creative medium. For the last two decades, Berry has used the navy blue fabric to create intricate installations, iconic portraits, and even photorealistic depictions of California. And his latest creation continues to reveal the unexpected and innovative ways denim can be used. Titled Secret Garden and currently on display at the Garden Museum in London, this work reimagines a serene setting with a fish pond, flowers, and vines—all crafted from recycled denim jeans.

The Secret Garden installation was first exhibited at the Children's Museum of the Arts in New York in 2017 and has since been displayed in various site-specific locations and galleries worldwide. Originally designed for a young audience, Berry aimed to inspire children to reflect on our interaction with nature.

“The idea came from thinking many kids don't have their own gardens and thinking of community gardens nestled away in between buildings and trying to inspire them to seek them out,” Berry tells My Modern Met. “It also gave the opportunity to talk about sustainability as well as helping young minds think about where things come from.” The artist even showed the kids a cotton plant to explain where jeans come from. “It was amazing to see so many baffled at the idea,” he recalls. “It enabled educators to talk about how the installation was plants turned to pants, then back to plants again.”

While the most recent Secret Garden installation isn't specifically designed for children, it still evokes a childlike sense of wonder. Visitors can walk through the denim garden path and find wisteria and vines dangling above them. Various plants and flowers are depicted in shades of indigo, including roses, alocasias, begonias, and cacti. There’s even a peaceful pond at the heart of the garden, featuring denim Koi fish, lily pads, and a central water feature. Every area of the garden showcases such an impressive level of detail that it's easy to forget the entire installation is handmade from denim.

The Secret Garden will be on display from July 13 to September 8, 2024, at the Garden Museum. A complementary program of activities and workshops inspired by the installation will be offered free of charge, catering to all ages. These include textile flower collages, denim rag rugs, clay and felt cacti making, and cyanotype printing.

Check out some photos of the Secret Garden installation below and find more of Berry's work on his website.

Artist Ian Berry's Secret Garden installation features plants, vines, flowers, and a koi fish pond handcrafted entirely from recycled denim.

Secret Garden Installation by Ian Berry

Photo: Graham Lacdao

The immersive exhibition is currently on display at the Garden Museum in London.

Secret Garden Installation by Ian Berry

Photo: Graham Lacdao

Secret Garden Installation by Ian Berry

Photo: Graham Lacdao

It showcases the unexpected and innovative ways denim can be used.

Secret Garden Installation by Ian Berry

Photo: Graham Lacdao

Secret Garden Installation by Ian Berry

Secret Garden Installation by Ian Berry

The installation explores themes of sustainability in the textile industries.

Secret Garden Installation by Ian Berry

Photo: Graham Lacdao

Secret Garden Installation by Ian Berry

Photo: Graham Lacdao

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Garden Museum (@gardenmuseum)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ian Berry (@ianberry.art)

Ian Berry: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Ian Berry, Graham Lacdao, and Sam Hockley.

Related Articles:

Artist Hand-Makes Portraits of “Denim Legends” Entirely Out of Jeans

Artist Ian Berry on How He Uses Denim To Craft Spectacular Blue-Toned Scenes [Podcast]

Artist Recreates California’s Chill Vibes and Summer Blues Using Only Denim

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.

Sponsored Content