Category: Miami

Miami, Florida

Untitled (Thrives in full sun)

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via The Sunny Project
via @thesunnyprjct

I grew up here. This is a formative place, where I learned how to be, to imagine, and even how to cut a figure. I am grateful for all I was given, especially the encouragement to embrace the possible. I was placed in ideal conditions, in a bright and favorable position, that I shared with my siblings.

I blossomed. I became who I am, grounded and raised in a tended cultural plot. I was afforded a southeasterly view, of the world!? We could not help it–we have lived in other places, have known other conditions, have learned to participate in the ecosystem that we are in, and always remembered what dreams are for.

Here still works for me. It is a place of imaginings and comfort. It cultivates warm memories, and unfurled reflections. I prefer to thrive in full sun.

Related:

Balla Et Ses Balladins ?– Objectif Perfection, Editions Syliphone Conakry, 1980.

Paulette, la confiance est un habit difficile à porter.

LP back cover.

AG2020_1850439a

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AG2020_1850439a

Dresses hung to dry in the sun is the leading indicator as to where we are. A working class neighborhood, with neighbors who endure the brightness summer morning sun and have preference for how washed and dried fabric should feel against one’s skin.

Campaign sign tucked in between tree and pole is another indicator. Iron bars on the windows is supposed to be one, but I suspect it might be dated.

This is the site we should try to read the city’s architecture responding to its inhabitants’ desires for security, affordability, infrastructure — water quality, fire and police service, more green and shade covering, alternative energy use — gas and solar, water reclamation, biodiversity and for a wider range aesthetic vocabulary.

Everyday life is already developed from the points of affect, of desire, and of reverie. We claim as much as we can to satisfy the manner in which we want to live. There are always pushback, when our manners hit the limit of private space, or when our plans abut the plans of others, but hopefully we can come to an understanding, that aiming for civility is just and ideal.

Image was featured in Burnaway’s article Miami Dérive.

AG2020_1880469 or Thrives in the Sun

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AG2020_1880469a

Untitled (Thrives in the Sun), 2000. A print available through the Sunny Project, Sun Pours Daylong, an exhibition and online print sale of Florida photography by Florida photographers.

Sun Pours Daylong runs from July 24 through August 30, 2020, and is on view in the Miami Design District; was organized by Gesi Schilling, Rose Marie Cromwell, and Adler Guerrier.

The clear burning light of the sun pours daylong into the saw grass and is lost there, soaked up, never given back. Only the water flashes and glints. The grass yields nothing.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas, The Everglades : River of Grass