Deering Estate Arts In Deep Exhibition Catalogue | Page 20

Cassiopeia Dimensions variable Video projection 2010 Coral Morphologic (Colin Foord + Jared McKay) 18 'Cassiopeia' is a video projection on the wine cellar ceiling that features a rhythmically-pulsing photosynthetic jellyfish (Cassiopeia xamachana), a species that is common in the waters around the Deering Estate. We aim to present a hyper-realistic portrait of this jellyfish that melds the past, present, and future into a site-specific experience. We chose the Cassiopeia jellyfish because they serve as an example to humans on how to become more energy efficient, synergistic, and appreciative of the Sun's life-giving energy: rather than hunting for food, it cultures symbiotic algae within its tissues allowing it to simply 'sunbathe' in the warm, shallow waters of Biscayne Bay. An enviable life... not unlike the reasons Charles Deering and other northerners were attracted to Miami. Coral Morphologic exists as a hybrid art-science experiment comprised by marine biologist Colin Foord and musician Jared McKay. Together they present coral reef organisms as inspiring and archetypal life-forms through multi-media and site-specific artworks. Coral Morphologic finds itself firmly rooted in the present time and place of Miami: a city built primarily from limestone recycled from thousands of years of local reef-building, and home to a diverse cultural community that mirrors its colorful aquatic ecosystems. [email protected] • www.coralmorphologic.com Both born in Freedom, New Hampshire • Live and work in Miami, Florida