Artist Josh Aronson presents Florida Boys, a site-specific installation that transforms spaces within the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club into a place of visual and sensory reflection. At the center of the project is Spring (2023-2024), a photograph sublimated onto fabric and suspended in front of the hotel’s grand two-story window. The choice of a translucent medium allows natural light to filter through the image, creating a dynamic interplay of shadows and reflections that shifts throughout the day.

The piece captures a moment of stillness, where a group of young men float in the waters of a natural spring in Florida. The scene conveys a sense of unity and serenity, opening a dialogue on contemporary masculine identity, which is becoming increasingly fluid and expressive. The installation seamlessly integrates with the Miami Beach setting, a place where nature and urban life merge in a unique, vibrant balance, and it echoes the city’s history as a refuge for queer culture.

As air circulates through the lobby, the suspended fabric moves slightly, giving the piece a living, ever-changing dimension. This interaction between image and environment invites viewers into a contemplative experience, where the city’s fast-paced rhythm gives way to moments of intimate connection and quiet reflection.