Now why would you turn an island pink fuchsia? And why not? Duo of land art artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude made this magnificent facility called Surrounded Islands in 1983. For two weeks, these eleven islands in Biscayne Bay, Miami, were surrounded by a pink polypropylene fuchsia belt. The message of this work of art? Underline the various ways in which the people of Miami live, between land and water.

On May 4, 1983, with the help of 430 people, the crew began to blossom the pink fabric over the islands, which were tended day and night by 120 monitors in inflatable boats. 

Drawing Fantasy Pink Islands Installation in Miami by land art artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude

Drawing 1982 in two parts. Photo: Photo: André Grossmann © 1983 Christo 

The marine and land crews had to remove around forty tons of garbage during the project, including an abandoned boat.

As with Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s previous art projects, Surrounded Islands was entirely financed by the artists, through the sale of preparatory drawings, collages, and early works.

We leave with more sublime photos of the project.

Drawing 1982 in two parts. Photo: Photo: André Grossmann © 1983 Christo

Drawing 1982 in two parts. Photo: Photo: André Grossmann © 1983 Christo

Drawing 1982 in two parts. Photo: Photo: André Grossmann © 1983 Christo

Drawing 1982 in two parts. Photo: Photo: André Grossmann © 1983 Christo

Drawing 1982 in two parts. Photo: Photo: André Grossmann © 1983 Christo

Images: © 1983 Christo. Photos by Wolfgang Volz