Under A Simple Tree

The Canopy Policy Project

'Under a Simple Tree' transcends traditional art exhibitions by engaging with the community on a deeper level. Through Brandon Clarke's work, the exhibition aims to foster meaningful conversations about the role of trees in south Florida neighborhoods and their impact on socio-economic dynamics. Clarke’s unique ability to capture the essence of objects through his conceptualized art style. As an artist and architect, Clarke employs various mediums and styles, infusing his pieces with authenticity and provoking viewers to contemplate their identities.

The exhibition aligns with Green Space Miami's mission to elevate local artists and promote cultural dialogue within Miami-Dade County. In cities like Miami, trees are vital in mitigating the urban heat island effect and improving air quality. "Under a Simple Tree” not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also prompts us to consider the environmental and social implications of tree canopy disparities. Under a Simple Tree is where community is formed. It’s under the shade of a tree that all people meet, play, and counsel. This exhibition will showcase the neighborhood trees of Miami-Dade while sharing the stories that connect them to their communities.

In cities like Miami, asphalt is a perfect absorber of heat, and along with concrete, it releases that captured heat into the air for hours, even after the sun disappears, contributing to the “urban heat island effect”. A well-placed tree, on the other hand, can keep a building 18 degrees cooler than if it were fully exposed to the sun. In Miami-Dade, areas with a median household income of over 70k dollars per year have a greater percentage of shade. As a result of the low tree canopy, low-income neighborhoods experience higher temperatures and therefore, more public health concerns. In the summer of 2021, Miami-Dade partnered with the University of Florida and Florida International University to conduct an Urban Tree Canopy Assessment, specifically outlining this disparity.

“Under a Simple Tree” provides a unique form of community engagement. This show engages various neighborhoods and residents, identifying trees that have meaning to that locality. In this process, Hampton Art Lovers collects oral histories as a part of our ongoing partnership with FIU’s Wolfsonian – Public Humanities Lab & Commons for Justice @ FIU. These oral histories will be cataloged for public consumption and presented as a part of the exhibition. We will document this whole process with audio and visuals to develop a documentary film that can further the reach of this show beyond its run at Green Space.

One of the main themes of the oral history gathering as well as the show itself is global warming/climate change and its intersections with socio-economics in our many Miami communities. How do the roles of trees change in neighborhoods with scarce resources? What happens when the shade lessens due to the ability to care for a tree, while heat increases due to the warming of the earth? This project will address these questions head-on.

About Brandon Clarke:

Brandon Clarke is a second-generation artist whose vibrant paintings reflect his grandmother's influence and his unique perspective. With a background in architecture, Clarke's art explores self-awareness and cultural growth through bold colors and abstract forms. His mixed media approach allows viewers to interpret his work through their own experiences, inviting them to engage with the narratives he creates. Brandon lives in South Dade County with his wife and children. He and his wife are both graduates of Hampton University, where Brandon earned his Bachelor's and Master's in Architecture. www.brandonclarkeart.com.

About Green Space Miami:

Green Space Miami, a Green Family Foundation Trust project, is a platform for showcasing Miami's diverse artistic talent. Through exhibitions and educational programs, Green Space Miami supports local artists and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Miami-Dade County. For more information about "Under a Simple Tree: The Canopy Policy Project," please visit Hampton Art Lovers' website or contact the gallery directly. https://greenspacemiami.org/

About FIU Commons for Justice

The FIU Commons for Justice strives to build a research-analysis-awareness-voice-solutions program to identify, illustrate, and address the deep racial and ethnic inequities in pre-event disaster exposures and vulnerabilities and in post-event resilience resources and capacities. https://commonsforjustice.fiu.edu/