Morning Glory Installation by Paula de Solminihac and Vicente Donoso: A Sensory Ode to Nature at Faena Beach

Morning Glory, a breathtaking site-specific installation by Chilean artist Paula de Solminihac in collaboration with architect Vicente Donoso, transformed Faena Beach during Miami Art Week 2022 into a dynamic, immersive environment that redefined the relationship between art, nature, and public space. Selected from over 400 submissions, the installation was the recipient of the prestigious Faena Arts Prize 2022, an accolade that celebrates cutting-edge, post-disciplinary art with a focus on climate consciousness and community engagement.

Inspired by Nature, Built for the Environment

At the heart of the project lies inspiration drawn from the Beach Morning Glory—a resilient, native coastal plant known for its floating seeds, dune-stabilizing roots, and ecological vitality across tropical coastlines. This botanical muse informed the creation of 11 large-scale wooden structures, partially embedded into the sand like petals and leaves, echoing the Morning Glory’s organic rhythm and resilience.

Constructed from wood and partially submerged, the sculptural forms seamlessly integrated with the beach landscape, resembling floral motifs both in layout and intent. These forms were designed not only as visual statements but as interactive spaces that encouraged touch, movement, play, and pause.

A Dual Experience: Daylight and After Dark

During the day, Morning Glory invited visitors to lounge, explore, reflect, and connect with the oceanfront environment. The installation fostered both individual contemplation and collective interaction, turning the beach into a living canvas of artistic expression.

As night fell, strategic lighting transformed the installation, bathing the sculptural elements in ethereal hues of green and pink, creating an entirely new sensory experience. This shift in atmosphere celebrated the magic of nature’s cycles, reinforcing the concept of transformation and adaptability—a central theme in both environmental and artistic discourse.

Ecological Art with a Social Soul

More than a visually stunning piece, Morning Glory served as a symbolic commentary on climate resilience and the delicate balance between human intervention and natural processes. It reflected Solminihac and Donoso’s shared commitment to land art—art that is not only placed in nature but engages in a conversation with it.

By encouraging physical interaction and sensory immersion, the installation became a place of gathering, play, and meditation. It bridged the physical and the philosophical, offering a tangible space for dialogue on sustainability, artistic freedom, and communal belonging.

Recognized for Innovation and Impact

The Faena Arts Prize jury applauded the work for its sensitivity to the ecological context and its ability to provoke thoughtful engagement. The installation’s success underlined Faena Art’s mission to support boundary-pushing artistsand reimagine the use of public spaces through cultural intervention.

Morning Glory was not just a highlight of Miami Art Week—it was a celebration of art’s power to inspire change, foster connection, and elevate everyday environments into sacred, shared experiences.