Sun Stroke Stimulus

July 10–October 11, 2009
The Wolfsonian–FIU @ 1001 Washington Avenue

What does “beauty” on the beach look like, here and now? Sun Stroke Stimulus was one man’s response, a commission by The Wolfsonian to create a contemporary portrait of Miami Beach bathing culture. For a week in April of 2009, New York-based photographer Miles Ladin roamed the beaches and pools of Miami Beach, turning his discerning eye and camera onto the people that visit and reside in our community. The resulting installation in the museum’s lobby, Sun Stroke Stimulus, complemented the exhibition Beauty on the Beach: A Centennial Celebration of Swimwear.

Ladin’s photographs capture the sensuous experiences of a day at the beach or pool: the blinding sunlight, refreshing water, dewy bodies, and sultry swimwear. With this project, his intention was to reveal the unadulterated beauty and intensity of nature—whether the beach or body—as well as man’s foibles and vulnerabilities.

Sun Stroke Stimulus was made possible through the generosity of André Balazs. The Wolfsonian and Miles Ladin also thank: Brian Antoni, Anne-Marie Belli, Billy Jurberg, Brett Ladin, Meghan McGinnis at Nadine Johnson & Associates Inc., Donna Bilu Martin, Victoria Neel, Chad Oppenheim, Gracia Ose, James Reginato, Terence Riley, John Rinaldi, Silvia Ros, Dakota Sica, Tara Solomon, and Michael Spano, as well as The Raleigh Hotel, The Standard Miami, and Nikki Beach.