Witnessing Eden

Explore the connection between nature and the observer in Witnessing Eden, an exhibition at the Deering Estate from September 8 to November 10. Showcasing the works of current Artists-in-Residence Tony Fernandez and Jorge Gonzalez Graupera, this exhibition invites viewers to engage with the grandeur of the Deering Estate as interpreted through the lenses of the two featured photographers.

The images on display in the Great Hall of the Stone House draw inspiration from botanist John Kunkel Small’s writings in From Eden to Sahara: Florida’s Tragedy. Small’s reflections on Florida’s lush landscapes, now threatened by environmental degradation, serve as a poignant backdrop for Fernandez and Gonzalez Graupera’s visual essays. Their photographs not only capture the beauty of the estate but also evoke a deeper conversation about the ongoing impact of human intervention on the natural world.

Witnessing Eden will open with a reception on Sunday, September 8, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering a first look of the exhibit. An artist talk is also scheduled for Sunday, October 20, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., offering further insight into the themes and inspirations behind the works. Both events are free to the public with an RSVP via Eventbrite.