Curious about the colorful works of art that have been popping up all over the High Line this September? Meet Michael De Feo, the New York City-based artist responsible for brightening the park and helping us celebrate the Chelsea Grasslands with his plant-inspired designs.

De Feo in his studio.Photo by Liz Ligon

De Feo is no stranger to the High Line. He first collaborated with Friends of the High Line back in 2006 for the groundbreaking ceremony of Section 1, where attendees’ hard hats were adorned with his iconic flower image.

Left: Founders Robert Hammond and Joshua David at the 2006 groundbreaking ceremony (spot early FHL supporter Kevin Bacon in the background!). Right: Michael De Feo at the ceremony wearing a hard hat with his iconic flower image.Photo by Patrick McMullan

The partnership has continued throughout the decade as De Feo, a neighborhood resident, has collaborated with Friends of the High Line for various events. This month, he joins us in celebrating the Chelsea Grasslands.

Limited edition Chelsea Grasslands poster by De Feo.

Throughout the month of September, you can spot his artwork displayed on the signage throughout the park, as well as on specially designed High Line staff t-shirts. You can also take his work home by picking up a free, limited edition Chelsea Grasslands poster from the information cart at West 18th Street — also adorned with De Feo’s designs — which is open daily from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Grasslands visitors pick up a Michael De Feo poster at the High Line Information Station.Photo by Liz Ligon

In addition to his collaborations with the High Line, De Feo’s street art has been celebrated in cities across the world for more than 25 years. His most recognizable design, the iconic flower image, has been seen in the streets of more than 60 cities, from Los Angeles to Hong Kong.

And while the streets have mostly been his canvas of choice, his work has also been featured in a number of galleries, museums, and media outlets, including three
covers of New York magazine’s “Reasons to Love New York” issues.

More recently, De Feo had solo exhibitions at Danziger Gallery in New York, which represents him, and The Garage in Amsterdam, and he created a site-specific installation at Rice Gallery in Houston. As De Feo’s interest in fashion has grown, he has also garnered attention for his paintings on fashion ads and photography. Earlier this year, his work was profiled in The New York Times, and VOGUE, Paper, i-D, and New York magazine.

We’re so excited to have De Feo’s work featured as part of our Grasslands Celebration. This month, we hope you’ll join in on the celebration through free tours, family programming, and a panel about the grasslands landscape.For more information about De Feo and his work, follow him on Instagram at @theflowerguy and visit his website.

Celebrating the Chelsea Grasslands is made possible, in part, by
TD Bank—the Presenting Green Sponsor of the High Line.