Contemporary Currents: Stratum

Layered encaustic paintings explore South Florida’s geological and hydrological systems in this exhibition presented as part of Deering Estate’s Contemporary Currents series. On view from May 1 through July 20, the installation is located in the Garden Room of the historic Richmond Cottage, with an opening reception scheduled for Sunday, May 3. The exhibition is part of an annual program that integrates contemporary art with the Estate’s collections and historic spaces. 

Featuring work by 2025–2026 Artist-in-Residence Andrea Clement, the exhibition examines the region’s environmental processes through richly textured compositions created with heated beeswax, pigments and resin. Clement’s practice draws on direct observation of South Florida landscapes, including Biscayne Bay and ongoing restoration efforts such as the Cutler Slough Restoration Project, translating geological formations and water systems into abstract visual forms.

Through a process of layering, carving and refining wax, the works reference concepts such as sedimentation, erosion and the movement of water over time. The exhibition reflects the interconnected relationship between land, water and ecological change, offering a contemporary interpretation of the natural forces that shape South Florida.