From June 26 to September 8, 2024, the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA), is hosting Christopher Mitchell’s mesmerizing Les Sirènes as part of its Art on the Plaza series. This free, public art installation by the Haitian American photographer transforms MOCA’s plaza into an enchanted realm filled with life-sized images of mermaids inspired by Haitian folklore and Kanaval traditions.
Mitchell’s Les Sirènes features seven mythical mermaids that inhabit the waters of Haiti, each embodying a cautionary tale from Haitian mythology. Visitors will encounter a variety of mermaid characters, including the golden mermaid luring the greedy, the protective conch-bearing siren, and the transforming mermaid who binds souls to the spiritual world. Other figures in the exhibit include environmental protectors and divine beings symbolizing nature’s power.
Raised in Haiti and with roots in North Miami, Mitchell uses this installation to connect his community with Haitian mythology, creating an immersive visual experience. His vivid mermaids float both above and below the plaza’s fountain, inviting visitors to explore the intersection of art, folklore, and the natural world.
As part of the Art on the Plaza 2024 series, Mitchell's work joins contributions by other local South Florida artists, continuing the tradition of transforming MOCA’s public space into a hub of creativity and cultural engagement.
