An island where life imitates art (and visa versa)

island: a tract of land completely surrounded by water, and not large enough to be called a continent

deserted island: an island with no people

the island : an Art Basel Miami 2010 exhibit.

Maybe it takes some outsiders  - artistic ones at that - to remind us of what’s really cool about Miami. 

How about a lush, tropical island where no people live (officially) but wildlife abounds, that’s just off the urban grid. That would be Virginia Key.

But the (mythical) island created by the Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND),  a non-profit art organization,  seeks to emulate just such a vibe at Flagler Memorial Island during Art Basel this weekend.

Listen:  

they say that twin lovers were lured there once.¹

that they came on a boat of cloth.²

that they still hold hands on the bank.

a message:

"the earth seemed unearthly. we are accustomed to look upon the shackled form of a conquered monster, but there - there you could look at a thing monstrous and free." ⁱ

they say that their spirits remain.³

multiplied. infinite. ever moving.⁴

that she makes her way to the wilderness, deliberately⁵, and others, aware that they are there only - ghosts - ensuring the world does not fall apart....⁴

It’s part of a poem describing the art installation. The organizers told the New York Times they wanted to “create this feeling of being stranded on a deserted island that’s in unique contrast to the fanciness and luxuriousness of the fair.” 

The “off-the-grid spectacle” includes site-specific projects at Flagler Memorial Island by 15 artists creating art from natural materials, including sand, water and greenery. 

2010@ Copyright. All Rights Reserved View from Virginia Key
Art: "the island." Courtesy of Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND).