The Estate as the Aleph
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Discover the intersection of literature, art and natural surroundings in an immersive creative writing experience. The Estate as the Aleph takes place on Sunday, March 9, at the historic Deering Estate, inviting participants to explore the relationship between visual art and written expression.
Drawing inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges's concept of "a place where, without admixture or confusion, all the places of the world, seen from every angle, coexist," this workshop guides attendees through the 2025 Deering Contemporary exhibition Unraveled Tales. Participants will create ekphrastic poems or flash fiction in response to site-specific installations that examine humanity's connection to land and historical narratives.
The two-hour session begins at the Richmond Cottage and Stone House courtyard and incorporates visits to various locations throughout the estate. Attendees will read selected poems and literary excerpts before crafting their own pieces that explore how art can help interpret periods of transition and complexity. Participants should bring their own notebooks and writing materials.
This event is facilitated by Francess Archer Dunbar, the current Artist-in-Residence, whose place-based writing examines local history alongside contemporary concerns about environmental changes and technological influences. Dunbar teaches with O, Miami's Sunroom program and is currently developing a novel about a flooded art fair.
The workshop is part of the monthly Meet the AIRs program, which occurs on the second Sunday of each month. The Deering Estate, a national landmark and cultural field station, provides a rich backdrop for this creative exploration with its historical significance and natural beauty.