Germane Barnes: Play-House

Step back in time and explore a disappearing piece of Miami's history at the Museum of Contemporary Art's (MOCA) new exhibit, Germane Barnes: Play-House. Running from June 12 to November 17, this installation pays homage to the distinctive shotgun houses once prevalent in areas like Overtown and Coconut Grove. Architect and designer Germane Barnes transforms MOCA’s Paradise Courtyard with a minimalist replica of a shotgun house, turning it into a site of play and discovery.

Shotgun houses, known for their narrow, linear design, were common in the American South and often served as simple, wood-constructed dwellings close to work sites. Today, many have been replaced by larger, multifamily units, altering the historical landscape of Miami. In Play-House, Barnes presents the stripped-down structure of these homes, using raw lumber to metaphorically highlight the often-overlooked significance of these buildings. This installation also underscores the crucial role of Black labor in Miami's history, from city construction to the operation of hotels and entertainment venues.

Visitors can delve deeper into the history of these homes through VR-activated archives, featuring images from turn-of-the-century newspaper articles and resources from the Black Archives. Play-House aims to preserve these spaces and stories in our collective memory, offering a poignant reflection on the impact of architecture on identity and community.

Germane Barnes is a Miami-based architect and artist whose work examines the intersection of architecture and identity. He is an Associate Professor and Director of The Community Housing & Identity Lab (CHIL) at the University of Miami School of Architecture. Barnes's research and design practice have garnered attention from major institutions, including The Museum of Modern Art NY, SF MoMA, and The National Museum of African American History. His innovative approach to design and his focus on Black domesticity have established him as a rising figure in contemporary architecture.