Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Surrounded Islands, Biscayne Bay, Greater Miami, Florida, 1980-83 | A Documentary Exhibition

In May of 1983, Christo and Jeanne-Claude encircled 11 uninhabited islands in Miami’s Biscayne Bay with 6.5 million square feet of floating, pink, woven polypropylene fabric. For two weeks, the results harmonised with water, sky, and foliage, creating a stunning chromatic medley in blue, green, pink, and turquoise. Despite its short duration, “Surrounded Islands” made a lasting impact on the city’s cultural history, marking the birth of Miami’s international artistic profile while serving as inspiration for untold numbers of people across the entire spectrum of the South Florida community. The show commemorates the 35th anniversary of “Surrounded Islands” and its impact on Miami, stimulating the growth of the local art community and encouraging the city to recognise the ways in which it could become a significant center for contemporary art.