South Florida native and Miami-based visual artist, Lauren Shapiro infuses traditional ceramic techniques with technology to document our ever-evolving ecosystems. In anticipation of the forthcoming unveiling of her site-specific commission with MSC Cruises and Miami-Dade County’s Art in Public Places program, we are revisiting a highlight from her season: Shapiro found new source material amidst the architectural marvel that is Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, located in Coconut Grove, Miami. As the 2024 Contemporary Arts Program artist at the museum, the artist’s site-specific exhibition, “Pastiche,” is closing soon on May 19, 2025.

Inspired by Vizcaya’s architecture, history, and setting, Shapiro turned to the acclaimed design programme employed by the late artistic director Paul Chalfin, particularly his use of pastiche—the blending of styles and influences that borrowed from past artistic traditions—to create a series of sculptures that celebrate the ornate beauty and baroque influence of the Main House. The resulting ceramic, glass, and technology-infused vessels create a visual language that evokes the past while resonating with the present. Seemingly enveloped by its tropical surrounds, the Main House at Vizcaya invites the outside in—with lush orchids growing within its Courtyard and Biscayne Bay within view just beyond its glass paneled walls. Shapiro modeled many of the new works’ motifs after the wildlife flourishing on the property, highlighting the role of the environment in shaping the iconic estate’s design and living history.

We spoke with Shapiro about drawing inspiration from scientific research and her continued exploration of endemic flora and fauna, integrating ceramics and photogrammetry to uncover and communicate insights from the natural world. Though the exhibition is coming to a close, her passion lies in empowering communities to participate in public artworks, fostering a sense of connection to environmental stewardship. This continues next month with her work surrounding World Ocean Day, celebrated annually on June 8, to raise awareness about the ocean’s significance.

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