Es Devlin’s Illuminated Triangular ‘Library of Us’ Makes its Debut on Miami’s Shore

During Miami Art Week, Faena Beach is not just inviting passersby to dive into the expansive ocean or enjoy the warm sand. It also beckons us to explore its library. From December 2 to 7, 2025, the beach will host *Library of Us*, an immersive, site-specific installation crafted by Es Devlin in collaboration with Faena Art.

Overall, *Library of Us* may represent Devlin’s most personal project to date. Continuously rotating, the glowing, 50-foot-wide installation houses 2,500 literary works, neatly arranged on evenly spaced shelves. For Devlin, each book has functioned as a creative compass, significantly shaping her philosophy, life, and artistry. The essence of these titles resonates throughout *Library of Us*, whose striking triangular outline resembles that of a compass needle.

This nautical analogy extends to the circular reflecting pool encircling the library, reminiscent of a sea navigable only by consulting the texts within. Navigating this literary ocean, as suggested by Devlin, demands attentive study. In line with this idea, the installation showcases a 30-foot-wide LED subtitle screen across one of its shelves, aglow with phrases extracted from 250 books. Accompanying the screen is Devlin’s voice, gently articulating each phrase for the audience.

“There’s a rhythm between the text and the sound,” Devlin shared with *The New York Times* in a recent interview. “As if the library were reading itself aloud.”

*Library of Us* is not only visual; it also boasts significant interactivity. Framing the installation is the pool, as well as a communal reading table, set daily with Devlin’s personally marked-up books. This table is bordered by two sets of stools, one of which remains fixed, while the other gradually rotates alongside the library. Visitors are invited to sit down, ponder, and, most importantly, interact with the artist’s curated selection of texts. This arrangement effectively facilitates encounters between guests, who can meet each other’s eyes and exchange books before drifting apart from their coordinated paths.

“The work creates a framework for a series of meetings with strangers, and the texts provide prompts for discussion,” she adds.

As part of her partnership with Faena Art, Devlin created two additional installations besides *Library of Us*, one being *Reading Room*. This sculpture consists of a long bookshelf and screen, located indoors at the Faena Cathedral. Conversely, the Faena Project Room is presenting a unique glimpse into Devlin’s creative process through small, layered drawings and glass pieces. Additionally, artist talks and reading sessions will be conducted at the Faena Theater and elsewhere.

Although *Library of Us* will be taken down at the end of Miami Art Week, its books will be relocated to new places. Each title will be donated to various organizations throughout Miami, including public libraries and schools.

“The library exemplifies this practice,” Devlin states. “A community of books sharing a single bookshelf, all quietly radiating their diverse perspectives as they rotate together between the sun, sea, and sky.”

To discover more about the artist and *Library of Us*, visit Es Devlin’s website.

For Miami Art Week, English artist Es Devlin has created a massive, rotating library, filled with 2,500 of her favorite books.

Radiant and dynamic, *Library of Us* invites visitors to read its books while connecting with others.