Leandro Erlich: Order of Importance
Artist Leandro Erlich stops traffic on Miami Beach with his 'Order of Importance' sand installation on the iconic South Beach.
Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich takes over part of Miami's South Beach during Art Week with a life-size installation consisting of 66 vehicles created from compacted sand. Titled 'The Order of Importance', the installation raises awareness of the climate change crisis. Presenting a stretch of road with traffic queuing in both directions, many of the vehicles are partially buried, essentially 'sinking' into the sand; a reference to the rising sea levels and the risk of dangerous flooding caused by global warming, especially in vulnerable coastal destinations such as the city itself. The installation was commissioned by the City of Miami Beach to coincide with the 2019 Miami Art Week. Exposed to the elements and human interaction, the installation was allowed to dissolve and deteriorate up until 15th December in which the beach was restored to its original condition.
'Order of Importance' marks one of Erlich's largest installations to date. Many of the artist's creations and public works refer to the connections between human activity and nature, often through optical illusions or immersive pieces that allow the viewer to experience Erlich's sense of curiosity and question. Other works of note are 'Le Maison' - a melting house located in front of Paris' Gare du Nord station, a striking reminder of the changes in temperature in many parts of the world and, 'Window and Ladder. Too Late for Help' - a ladder leaning against a window suspended in mid-air, exhibited shortly after Hurrican Katrina to represent loss and the presence of absence.
