How The Underline is using art to transform public spaces | Opinion

The start of Miami Art Week will also mark the latest unveiling of a public art installation within The Underline, the 10‑mile linear park, urban trail and public art destination under the Metrorail.

“Is Blue the Color of the Ocean?” by renowned Dominican artist Bony Ramirez is the ninth piece in The Underline’s growing art collection and reflects the immigrant story and celebrates Miami’s vibrant and diverse culture.

The installation beneath the shade of Miami-Dade’s Metrorail is further evidence that what was once underutilized land and a bare-bones asphalt path has been transformed into lush native gardens, a multi-modal trail with dedicated bike and walking paths, community gathering spaces and, now, a destination for free, public art.

Art is a cornerstone of Miami’s identity, from Miami Art Week, which runs from Dec. 2-8, and Art Basel, from Dec-6-8, to the city’s dynamic art museums, galleries and local artist community.

Art is also a cornerstone of The Underline, featuring works by local and international artists. But with no charge for admission, The Underline is redefining access to art and culture.

Now, “Is Blue the Color of the Ocean?” is fusing art and technology to enhance visitor access. Funded by Niantic and the Knight Foundation, the sculpture has an augmented reality component to inspire engagement by allowing visitors to hear the artist tell his story and vision.

The work is described as “a large upright circle composed of fiberglass silver coconuts and a single gold-colored conch shell. The sculpture has a double meaning, representing both the ubiquitous necklaces circulating throughout the Caribbean via tourist shops and street vendors and a mythical portal transporting people between two worlds.”

The Underline’s art program is intentionally curated to invite interaction and exploration.

For instance, “Water/Tables” by Cara Despain, the first permanent public artwork in the park, features two ping pong tables made of concrete and blue terrazzo evocative of sea glass and water. Each table is etched with the approximate water table level and elevation above sea level, connecting the artwork to critical questions about Miami’s resilience.

So, while playing a fun game of ping pong, visitors are also challenged to consider Miami’s integral relationship with water.

Other installations, like Jeppe Hein’s “Modified Social Bench #4,” invite visitors to become part of the artwork through interaction with others, while Hank Willis Thomas’ “Duality” and Edny Jean Joseph’s “The Allegory” explore historical and cultural themes, adding depth and context to the park’s art program.

The Underline has also supported the community’s participation in creating art. Earlier this year, The Underline announced its first open call to artists with grant support from the Hearst Foundations.

The mural “Hide & Seek” by local artists We are Nice’ n Easy is in The Underline’s Hammock Playground and focuses on how kids can play and have fun in nature.

With support from the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, over 180 kids from Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Leadership Learning Center helped to paint the mural and learn from the artists.

The Underline’s art program is not done. With seven more miles under construction, we have a new open call to artists for an Art Deco-inspired bench and are mobilizing to add art to the Metrorail columns.

As the park grows to ten full miles, we will continue to grow the art collection and cultivate access to public art funded in large part by private donations.

Through art, technology and community collaboration, The Underline has created a space where Miami’s culture, resilience and creativity come alive — one that embodies safety, mobility and fun.

Debi Wechsler is a Friends of The Underline board member and chair of The Underline Arts Council. Rina Gitlin is the open arts curator for the Friends of The Underline.

This story was originally published December 2, 2024 at 11:23 AM.