“Welcome to Paradise” Debuts at MOCA

The dynamic new commissioning program features temporary public art projects by local South Florida artists

Victory Garden, now on view at MOCA. Photo by Daniel Bock

The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) recently unveiled “Welcome to Paradise,” a dynamic new commissioning program featuring temporary public art projects by local South Florida artists. The program invites artists to create ambitious and experimental art installations to activate the museum’s Paradise Courtyard. The first season centers on artists working at the intersection of ecology and technology.

On view now through June 25, visitors will be able to step into the Paradise Courtyard and discover Victory Garden, an interactive sculptural community garden created by Miami-based artist Emmett Moore. Drawing inspiration from victory gardens of the past, which were planted during wartime to supplement rations and boost morale, Moore’s Victory Garden connects the local community with contemporary art and encourages visitors to reflect on their relationship with the built environment.

Victory Garden. Photo by Daniel Bock
Victory Garden. Photo by Daniel Bock

Utilizing sustainable materials, such as repurposed steel drums to form sculptural planters, Victory Garden features plants native to South Florida and the Caribbean, including Cuban oregano, collard greens, starfruit, bee balm, and Everglades cherry tomatoes that will be harvested and shared. The exhibition will also include benches and solar-powered USB outlets for visitors to use.

The series will continue with Into The Great Dying: Roles We Play, a thought-provoking, interactive ceramic sculpture by Miami-based artist Beatriz Chachamovits, that engages with the marine landscape, highlighting the decline of coral reef ecosystems and the impact of human actions. This installation will be on view from July 5 through November 21.

Complementary to “Welcome to Paradise,” MOCA will offer a diverse array of on-site events and programs, including a member’s event on February 24, as well as a workshop celebrating Earth Day on April 22. Victory Garden will be open to the public during MOCA’s gallery closure for installation.

General admission to the museum is $10 for adults; $5 for seniors, students, and visitors with disabilities; and free for MOCA Members, residents of City of North Miami, and children aged 12 and younger. MOCADual/Family level and above can pre-register for programs and events scheduled around the exhibitions for “Welcome to Paradise.” Learn more here.

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