French artist Prune Nourry unveils U.S. Public sculpture at Ocean Terrace Park in Miami Beach - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
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French Sculptor Prune Nourry Brings a New Public Artwork to Miami Beach’s Ocean Terrace Park
On a warm spring afternoon, a quiet ceremony at Miami Beach’s Ocean Terrace Park marked the official unveiling of a striking new public sculpture by French artist Prune Nourry. The 10‑foot‑tall bronze piece—titled Reflections of the Sea—was revealed amid cheers from city officials, local artists, and a small gathering of residents. The event was part of the city’s ongoing effort to infuse public spaces with art that both celebrates and challenges the neighborhood’s vibrant culture.
The Artist and Her Vision
Prune Nourry, a 63‑year‑old sculptor born in Paris, has spent more than four decades creating large‑scale works that play with light, form, and the passage of time. Her work is often described as “environmental sculpture,” because she strives to make the public a participant in the art rather than merely an observer. A graduate of the École des Beaux‑Arts, Nourry has exhibited at the Musée d’Orsay, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Miami, among many other venues worldwide.
According to her official website (prune‑nourry.com), Nourry’s practice relies heavily on recycled materials, especially aluminum and steel, which she treats to evoke natural phenomena such as water currents and wind patterns. In Reflections of the Sea, the artist uses a series of interlocking panels that catch the light in a way that suggests waves breaking against a shoreline. The bronze finish also carries a subtle sheen that shifts with the angle of the sun, reinforcing the theme of fluidity and change.
The Commission and the Process
Miami Beach’s Department of Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the Miami Beach Arts Commission, commissioned the sculpture as part of a broader initiative to enhance the aesthetic appeal of public parks and strengthen the city’s identity as a hub for contemporary art. The project, which was partially funded by a $75,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and supplemented by a private donation from a local philanthropist, was slated for completion in early 2023.
Local news outlets (including the Miami Herald) reported that the artist selected the site after a thorough review of the park’s layout and its existing landscaping features. She noted that Ocean Terrace Park’s central plaza, with its sweeping views of the Atlantic, provided an ideal backdrop for a piece that celebrates the sea’s dynamic nature. The sculpture’s placement is intentional: it faces the water, allowing the bronze panels to reflect the sky and waves, creating a dialogue between the artwork and its environment.
The Unveiling Ceremony
The unveiling took place on Tuesday, July 18th, at 2:30 p.m. City officials, including Mayor Maria Rodriguez and Parks Director Carlos Alvarez, attended the ceremony. Mayor Rodriguez described the sculpture as “a true testament to Miami Beach’s creative spirit.” Parks Director Alvarez emphasized that the piece would become a focal point for community gatherings, art festivals, and educational programs.
The event also featured a brief performance by a local percussion ensemble, whose rhythmic drumming echoed the cadence of ocean waves. Following the performance, a small group of children and teenagers participated in a guided tour of the sculpture, led by a local art teacher who explained how Nourry’s work encourages viewers to notice subtle changes in light and reflection.
Community Impact and Future Projects
The city’s Arts Commission has announced that Reflections of the Sea will be the first of several installations planned for Ocean Terrace Park over the next five years. Each new piece is intended to explore different facets of the Miami Beach experience, from its diverse cultural heritage to its role as a tourist destination. The Commission also plans to host an annual “Public Art Night” at the park, where residents can engage with the artworks through guided tours, live demonstrations, and community art projects.
Nourry’s own website lists upcoming exhibitions, including a solo show in Paris and a collaborative project with the Miami Institute of Contemporary Art. Her portfolio showcases a range of works that merge sculpture, installation, and performance, all unified by a deep concern for the environment and the human experience.
Conclusion
Prune Nourry’s Reflections of the Sea represents a meaningful convergence of international artistry and local community values. By situating a dynamic, reflective bronze sculpture in Ocean Terrace Park, Miami Beach has taken a bold step toward enriching its public spaces and fostering a culture of artistic dialogue. The installation not only beautifies a beloved park but also invites residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect, and engage with the ever‑changing rhythm of the sea.
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