At Miami's Deering Estate, the exhibition "Witnessing Eden," featuring photographers Tony Fernandez and Jorge Gonzalez-Graupera and curated by Liliam Dominguez, is set to debut. Running from September 8 through November 10, the Great Hall Gallery in the Stone House will host an array of photographs that explore into the intimate connection between humanity and its environment. Fans of visual storytelling can mark their calendars for the opening reception scheduled on September 8 at 4 p.m., registration is available online.
These Artists-in-Residence are not just bringing their lenses to the forefront, but they're also encapsulating the profound messages left behind by botanist John Kunkel Small. In "From Eden to Sahara: Florida's Tragedy," Small harps on the grand yet precarious splendor of the Florida landscape, once verdant and teeming, now facing severe ecological degradation. Fernandez and Gonzalez-Graupera's work, as described on the Deering Estate website, aims to be more than just visually stunning – it's a dialogue with the layers of history and our collective footprints on the Earth.
Let's not overlook the pedigree of these artists. Tony Fernandez, armed with a camera and decades of teaching everything from elementary to college students, has his photographic wit displayed in such luminary institutions as the George Eastman House and The Cleveland Museum of Art. On the other hand, Emmy® Award winner Jorge Gonzalez-Graupera brings his directorial and cinematographical A-game, having served up content that's snagged two 2023 Emmy awards for acclaimed pieces including, “John William Bailly: In Situ at the Deering Estate.”
For those interested in an extra layer of insight, mark your calendar for October 20 at 1 p.m. for an artist talk with Fernandez, Gonzalez-Graupera, and Dominguez – be sure to register online. This exhibition not only offers a visual experience but also reflects Small’s environmental message, with their camera work sparking necessary conversations on human impact and the urgent need to preserve our delicately poised ecosystems.
The Deering Estate, beyond serving as a canvas for artists, stands as a beacon for Miami's rich heritage. Managed by Miami-Dade County Parks and endowed with resources from The Deering Estate Foundation, this venue welcomes visitors not only for cultural pilgrimages but for ecological and educational pursuits alike. They invite one and all to embrace the legacy left by Charles Deering to future generations, ensuring it remains a touchstone of American heritage. For a comprehensive look at how you can support or engage with the estate's offerings, from recreational jaunts to funding scientific research, you can find details about the foundation on the Deering Estate website.
