The Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) is delighted to highlight “Sundial Spectrum,” a captivating public art installation by Miami-born, Los Angeles-based visual artist Jen Stark. This installation graces Española Way from December 3, 2024, to February 9, 2025, as part of the Elevate Española public art program.
The work spreads the block of Española Way between Washington Avenue and Collins Avenue.
“Sundial Spectrum” features 13 sculptural panels crafted from clear acrylic sheets, layered with laser-cut transparent vinyl inspired by geometry and natural forms. As sunlight filters through these vibrant panels, they cast mesmerizing rainbow shadows along Española Way, creating an ever-changing, immersive experience for pedestrians.
Jen Stark’s work is renowned for exploring complex concepts such as fractals, evolution, color theory, topography, sacred geometries, and universal patterns. Her art spans various media, including paintings, sculptures, animations, installations, interactive projections, and NFTs. Stark’s creations have been exhibited globally, with major shows and public art installations in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Thailand, and Canada. Her works are part of esteemed collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
The Elevate Española program, initiated by the City of Miami Beach in 2022, commissions annual installations suspended above the historic Española Way corridor. This initiative enhances the area’s aesthetic appeal and fosters pedestrian connectivity between Española Way and Ocean Drive, bringing contemporary art to one of Miami Beach’s most publicly visible areas.
MDPL’s mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the architectural, cultural, social, and environmental integrity of Miami Beach. The Art Deco Historic District, located between 5th and 23rd Streets along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue, is home to over 800 historic buildings and structures built between 1923 and 1943. This district stands as a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage and is the first 20th-century urban neighborhood to be recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
MDPL offers daily walking tours, providing visitors with insights into the distinctive Art Deco design elements that define the district. These tours underscore the importance of historic preservation in maintaining the unique character of Miami Beach.
“Sundial Spectrum” not only enriches the cultural landscape of Miami Beach but also aligns with MDPL’s dedication to celebrating and preserving the city’s artistic and architectural legacy. We encourage residents and visitors alike to experience this vibrant installation and reflect on the harmonious blend of contemporary art and historic preservation that defines our community.
