Queens Tribune

A mad cow parade took over the Flushing streets last Saturday. Queens Crossing presented the opening reception of the Flushing CowParade and the 09 Oh Cow! Exhibition. More than 200 people showed up for the unveiling of the cows and artwork created specifically for the event.

The cows that took part in the parade are actually made out of fiberglass. The decision to celebrate this particular animal is based on the Chinese lunar calendar in which it is the year of the cow. The two events held at Queens Crossing shared the same subjects but were different in nature.

The first event of the day was the Flushing CowParade. Eights artists were invited to paint each one of them in their own vision. They had a choice of a standing, grazing, or reclining cow. This process was open to the public in Flushing Mall, where people were free to watch the artists paint. They created individual interpretations of the cultural or historical weight a cow holds in their native cities. It took the past two months for all eight cows to be completed.

The Cows Celebration Carnival held alongside the parade was a success, with food, music, and cow-themed games set up outside. All the cows were placed outside as well, allowing them to partake in the festivities with everyone. The CowParade began at 1 p.m. and ended at 6 p.m.

The CowParade is the largest public art event in the world. Since the first event in Chicago in 1999, the parade has been held in 66 cities on six continents. These colorful cows have attracted over 100 million people around the world and raised over $20 million for charity through auctions held at the end of each event.

The painted cows will be placed all over the city once locations have been decided on. There is a Mets cow that will be appropriately sent to Citi Field. It will spend a few months there before being relocated. Queens College will also be receiving a cow painted just for them.

Later in the day, Crossing Art presented its 09 Oh Cow! Exhibition. The opening reception began at 4 p.m., inviting people to explore the various pieces in the gallery. It consists of works from 25 different artists that illustrated a contemporary view of the cow. The pieces come in many different yet equally interesting styles including paintings, drawings, sculptures, some video work, and mixed media.

Mieko Anekawa is an Astoria-based artist whose artworks are a part of the exhibition. Her acrylic cow paintings portray her more modern and contemporary. “I like to use a lot of color contrast in my pieces. It comes from my background in Osaka, where they often use strong vibrant colors to express themselves,” said Anekawa.

Sharing the same subject, each artist distinctly explores the different meanings a cow can have. Whether it is a cow, bull, ox, or beef, the exhibit is diverse in its representation of the animal. Each piece invites the viewer to find their own interpretation of the artwork.

The artists that contributed to the exhibition come from the city as well as outside of the country. Israel, Germany, Taiwan, and China are among the list of countries represented. About 75 percent of the artists who contributed to the exhibit were able to attend the opening reception.

Crossing Art was able to get a hold of an Andy Warhol print, which is sure to excite his art appreciators. Anekawa said, “I am inspired by modern art and pop art, so I am so happy to see Andy Warhol’s work in this exhibition!”

The exhibit is free and will be open through Sept. 18. Crossing Art is located at 136-17 39th Ave. To learn more, go to crossingart.com or call (212) 359-4333.

Reach Intern Christina Fong at cfong@queenstribune.com or by calling (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127.