“Domus Hortus”
Miami Downtown Historic Post Office (2017)

A site specific installation of unfired clay that transforms an original cement column of the Miami Downtown Historic Post Office into a pillar of tropical foliage and geometry, resulting in a living clay sculpture emerging directly from the floor.

In Shapiro’s words, “Looking specifically to the landscape of South Florida, I discovered different details of its natural history. I studied the common plants found around Miami and cast their leaf textures- species of palms, mangroves, tropical fruit trees and invasive sword ferns in silicone molds.”

Pressing clay and wrapping the forms a concrete column in the wet clay, the pieces were held in place by a wire framework as it began to dry. Fragile and unfired, the work existed for one week before it was subsequently broken down with water and removed. It’s ephemerality hints at the introduction, eradication and regeneration of plant life in Miami—and the relationship of people to the environment throughout Florida’s history.

This work was exhibited at the Downtown Historic Post Office during Miami Art Week concurrent with Art Basel Miami Beach. Many buildings in the Historical District were constructed during the Florida land boom of the 1920’s when Miami experienced rapid population growth.