The Symbiotic Shore

Curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology
November 27 2021 - February 11 2022

644 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL, 33139

Open Thursdays and Fridays,
11–6 PM (and by appointment)

View Press Pack Here

Coastal cities around the globe are currently engaged in conversations about how to fortify themselves against the climate-perils of tomorrow. Local governments often frame these conversations in terms of the preservation of real estate assets and local economies above water so that “business as usual” can continue. These plans, which are made from the top down, without addressing the root causes of climate-change and habitat degradation, leave behind countless people and species. The notion that competition breeds evolution has spread from social Darwinism and taken root in a socioeconomic worldview that has naturalized the global exploitation and unsustainable extraction of labor and resources. In Miami and beyond, it’s critical not only to build resilience against climate change, but to cultivate a regenerative ethos.

For their upcoming Waterproof Miami project with Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative, the Institute of Queer Ecology (IQECO) will present an exhibition that proposes evolving Miami into a “Symbiotic City:” a civic strategy for environmental harm reduction and climate adaptation. The ongoing project of saving this world requires constantly remaking it, re-grounding the work in mutualistic symbioses rather than individualistic competition.

Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Two rows of white plastic bins are arranged in front of a vertical hanging display of beach towels that depict various film photographs.

Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Displayed on a wooden wall are the all white texts: “THE SYMBIOTIC SHORE” and “INSTITUE OF QUEER ECOLOGY”, followed by a list of names that represent the participating artists from the exhibition.

Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. A television screen is showing a microscopic view of plant life while beach towels depicting various film photographs are displayed alongside and behind it.

Rootpicker (2021), Rian Ciela Hammond. Single channel digital video, color, sound 8:05 min, looped. Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. A television screen is showing a blue iridescent square with a forest background, beach towels depicting various film photographs are displayed alongside and behind it.

On Compost: Land Art (ongoing), Laurencia Strauss. Newspaper, worms, produce, bins, photographs. 9 compost fields, each: 19 1/2 x 30 x 7 1/2 in (49.5 x 76.2 x 19 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Two white plastic bins have been half way opened to reveal reworked compost material, designed to resemble the pictured earthworks that are displayed above them: Surrounded Islands (left) and Spiral Jetty (right).

On Compost: Land Art (ongoing), Laurencia Strauss. Newspaper, worms, produce, bins, photographs. 9 compost fields, each: 19 1/2 x 30 x 7 1/2 in (49.5 x 76.2 x 19 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Half way opened white plastic bin reveals a spiral designed from red food waste on top of gray compost material, an image of Spiral Jetty is presented above it.

On Compost: Land Art (ongoing), Laurencia Strauss. Newspaper, worms, produce, bins, photographs. 9 compost fields, each: 19 1/2 x 30 x 7 1/2 in (49.5 x 76.2 x 19 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Half way opened white plastic bin reveals islands made from green and orange food waste on top of gray compost material, an image of Surrounded Islands is presented above it.

On Compost: Land Art (ongoing), Laurencia Strauss. Newspaper, worms, produce, bins, photographs. 9 compost fields, each: 19 1/2 x 30 x 7 1/2 in (49.5 x 76.2 x 19 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Half way opened white plastic bin reveals green asparagus food waste standing up from gray compost material, an image of a mountainous landscape with white windmills is presented above it.

The Symbiotic Shore: Excerpts from IQECO Fire Island Image Archive (2019), Various Artists for the Institute of Queer Ecology. 44 towels, each 33 x 57 in (83.82 x 144.8 cm) Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Displayed beach towels that depict various film photos.

The Symbiotic Shore: Excerpts from IQECO Fire Island Image Archive (2019), Various Artists for the Institute of Queer Ecology. 44 towels, each 33 x 57 in (83.82 x 144.8 cm) Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Displayed beach towels that depict a group of people on the left, and an “IQECO: Institute of Queer Ecology” flag on the right.

The Symbiotic Shore: Excerpts from IQECO Fire Island Image Archive (2019), Various Artists for the Institute of Queer Ecology. 44 towels, each 33 x 57 in (83.82 x 144.8 cm) Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Rolled up beach towels within a wooden shelved wall.

The Symbiotic Shore: Excerpts from IQECO Fire Island Image Archive (2019), Various Artists for the Institute of Queer Ecology. 44 towels, each 33 x 57 in (83.82 x 144.8 cm) Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Rolled up beach towels within the first three spaces of a wooden shelved wall.

Institute of Queer Ecology Jumpsuits (2017), Felix Beaudry and Lee Pivnik for the Institute of Queer Ecology. 3 suits (S, M, L), dyed cotton and polyester blend, machine embroidered patches. Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Pink jumpsuits with embroidered patchwork displayed on a wooden shelved wall.

Vine Spirit (Three Hearts) (2021), Germán Enrique Caceres Cueto. Acrylic on canvas with artist frame. 18 x 22 in (45.7 x 55.9 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Botanical imagery with a black background and a red frame.

Unforgivable, Unforgettable (2021), Germán Enrique Caceres Cueto. Acrylic on canvas with artist frame. 10 x 12 in (25.4 x 30.5 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. Two forms with minimal facial features conjoin in the middle of the canvas; a landscape image fills the form on the left, and half of a caucasian face is portrayed on the right.

Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. A clothing store completely constructed out of wood acts as an exhibition space for an art show that has displayed beach towels, a row of white plastic bins, an altar, and a video installation.

Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

Cash Magic (2021), Utē Josephine Petit. 4 Framed Drawings, Flags, Found Saris, Glassware, Chair, Wood Fencing, Buoys, Casino Star, Iroquois White Corn, Tony Chacheries, Peach Nehi, Found Jewelry, Window Slats, Fishing rope , Watering can, broken auto glass. Dimensions variable. Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

Cash Magic (2021), Utē Josephine Petit. Altar installation with 4 Framed Drawings: Sharp woman whose scimitar carved stars in the sky (2020) Revenge Fantasy in the Mouth of my Motherland (2020) Faggots Shooting Back (2020) Ailantha (2020) Each drawing is Pencil on Paper. 8.5 x 11 in (22 x 28 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

Revenge Fantasy in the Mouth of my Motherland (2020), Utē Josephine Petit. Pencil on Paper. 8.5 x 11 in (22 x 28 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

Theresa (2020), Libbi Ponce. Extruded polystyrene, urethane rigid pour foam, joint compound, bondo, grout, gesso, ink, jb minute weld, gorilla super glue, acrylic, styrofoam, jade, quartz, earrings, cubic zirconia necklace, glass blocks, pigment, iridescent tile, and garage tile. 72 x 72 x 56 in (182.9 x 182.9 x 142.2 cm) Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

Byron (2020), Libbi Ponce. Extruded polystyrene, urethane rigid pour foam, joint compound, bondo, gesso, grout, ink, jb minute weld, gorilla super glue, acrylic, styrofoam, jade, quartz, earrings, binder ring, matte spray paint, resin, opal, black opal, pigment, and garage tile. 36 x 48 x 50 in (91.4 x 121.9 x 127 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

Byron (2020), Libbi Ponce. Extruded polystyrene, urethane rigid pour foam, joint compound, bondo, gesso, grout, ink, jb minute weld, gorilla super glue, acrylic, styrofoam, jade, quartz, earrings, binder ring, matte spray paint, resin, opal, black opal, pigment, and garage tile. 36 x 48 x 50 in (91.4 x 121.9 x 127 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

The Seventh Sun Comes (2021), Summer Jade Leavitt. Green carnation, Yahrzeit candle, 33 year medallion, torched cent, snail shell, last dew drops. 8 x 8 x 28 in (20.3 x 20.3 x 71 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

The Seventh Sun Comes (2021), Summer Jade Leavitt. Green carnation, Yahrzeit candle, 33 year medallion, torched cent, snail shell, last dew drops. 8 x 8 x 28 in (20.3 x 20.3 x 71 cm). Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

(Left) For those of us who live at the shoreline (sunrise) (2020), Sasha Wortzel. Video, color, silent, 1:01 min, looped. (Right) For those of us who live at the shoreline (sunset) (2020), Sasha Wortzel. Video, color, silent , 5:21 min, looped. Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

(Left) For those of us who live at the shoreline (sunset) (2020), Sasha Wortzel. Video, color, silent, 5:21 min, looped. (Right) For those of us who live at the shoreline (sunrise) (2020), Sasha Wortzel. Video, color, silent , 1:01 min, looped. Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

Animated Waters (2021), TJ Shin. Multi-media installation: saliva, pacific ocean, centrifuge. Dimensions variable. Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

Animated Waters (2021), TJ Shin. Multi-media installation: saliva, pacific ocean, centrifuge. Dimensions variable. Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Monica McGivern. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

The Symbiotic Shore: Excerpts from IQECO Fire Island Image Archive (2019), Various Artists for the Institute of Queer Ecology. 44 towels, each 33 x 57 in (83.82 x 144.8 cm) Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

The Symbiotic Shore: Excerpts from IQECO Fire Island Image Archive (2019), Various Artists for the Institute of Queer Ecology. 44 towels, each 33 x 57 in (83.82 x 144.8 cm) Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

The Symbiotic Shore: Excerpts from IQECO Fire Island Image Archive (2019), Various Artists for the Institute of Queer Ecology. 44 towels, each 33 x 57 in (83.82 x 144.8 cm) Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative.

Installation view of “The Symbiotic Shore” a group exhibition curated by the Institute of Queer Ecology (2021). Photo by Lee Pivnik. Courtesy of the Institute of Queer Ecology, Bas Fisher Invitational and Bridge Initiative. A clothing store that is completely constructed out of wood acts as the exhibition space for an art show, in view are displayed white compost bins and beach towels with nature-centered graphics, a mirror to the right is reflecting two additional artworks.

Here, standing on The Symbiotic Shore, IQECO advocates for a new empathic paradigm: to understand other species (and ourselves) through alternative survival strategies of symbiosis, mutualism, and interdependence. Right now, around and inside us, our bodies bloom with 40 trillion+ bacterial cells—we are more bacterial than human. We have evolved to live in symbiosis with our microbiomes over millions of years—we are walking multispecies amalgamations, interdependent on each other and our environments for mutual support. In Miami, we walk through a city built of coral, an animal that survives only in a mutualistic relationship with photosynthetic algae. Yet, we plan, build, and act in resistance to this vibrant and complex living world around us. We sterilize everything we touch.

To begin imagining this ecozoic shift—away from competition, towards mutualism—this exhibition brings together artists living in Miami and other coastal cities: the liminal, romantic, real edges of the sea and shore, increasingly defined by their environmental precarity. Memories, dreams, and experiences materialize into visions of a future where coastal cities don’t fortify themselves against a rapidly changing world, but change themselves to meet the moment’s needs. The show—the shore—is sincere and tactile. From an altar constructed of hurricane debris collected along the Gulf Coast, an audio composition that gives voice to the worsening water conditions in Biscayne Bay, and a photo archive transmuted onto beach towels documenting a formative IQECO residency in the queer towns of the Fire Island National Seashore, the exhibition traces a line from New Orleans, down Florida, and up the Eastern Seaboard, bringing together artists concerned with the future changes faced by the places they live and love.

Alternative, queer readings of evolutionary biology and ecology can inform and re-form how we see ourselves as a species, particularly regarding the mutual benefits that cooperation brings to the interconnected social infrastructures of all species. The Institute of Queer Ecology plots a new trajectory forward, one where we transform our one-sided, parasitic relationships with the environment into networks of symbiosis and mutualism, regeneration and care—as a city, a society, and a species.

• Summer Jade Leavitt

• Germán Enrique Caceres Cueto

• Libbi Ponce

• Archival Feedback

• Laurencia Strauss

• Rian Hammond

• TJ Shin

• Utē Petit

• Sasha Wortzel

• Molly Adams

• Trevor Bashaw

• Evander Batson

• Parker Bright

• Andres Chang

• Allyson Church

• Nicolas Baird

• Lee Pivnik

• Francisco Cordero

• Tiger Dingsun

• Luba Drozd

• Charlie Ehrenfried

• Casey Halter

• Tristan Higgenbotham

• Wilson Keithline

• Deirdre Keough

• David Kim

• Aidan Alexis Koch

• Shannon Lee

• Jolie Ngo

• Faris Al-Shathir

• Jake Sillen

• Yannik Stevens