I'll Be Right Back, 2020

In her series "I'll Be Right Back" Laura Roth plunges into the detailed and intimate realm of community gardens, highlighting the delicate balance between the urban cityscape and places of retreat. Allotment gardens, known in some places as community gardens, are distinctive features in urban settings. Originating in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, they were initially intended to provide the working class with a means to grow their own food, thereby combating urban poverty. These gardens are typically small plots nested within a larger area, usually leased and managed by a central governing association. Over time, their role has evolved. While they still serve their original purpose for many, they've also become spaces for community bonding, relaxation, and a refuge from the concrete expanses of the city.
    In the heart of bustling neighborhoods, these gardens provide an invaluable escape. Each plot tells a unique story, reflecting the personality and care of its gardener.
    Roth's portrayal beckons us to pause and reflect upon the indispensable value of nature amidst our constructed environments and underscores the vital importance of championing, preserving, and expanding such verdant retreats in cities.