Garden Shadows of the Sun: A Poetic Intersection of Art and Identity in Coral Gables
Source: David Gary Lloyd
Reported By: Caroline Dalal
On June 13, Coral Gables welcomed a poetic collision of art, identity, and public space with the debut of Garden Shadows of the Sun, a new solo exhibition by acclaimed South Florida artist David Gary Lloyd. Commissioned by Terranova Corporation, the pop-up exhibition reimagines the lobby of 255 Alhambra Circle into a gallery that invites both reflection and visibility—right in the heart of the business district.
Timed with Pride Month and on view through September 15, 2025, the show is free and open to the public, offering weekday and weekend access to an immersive collection that bridges fine art and cultural commentary.
Reclaiming Space Through Symbol and Stillness
More than a visual display, Garden Shadows of the Sun is a study in subtlety. Lloyd’s mixed-media portraits are rendered with a painter’s restraint and a photographer’s precision, each one steeped in layered symbolism. With imagery drawn from South Florida’s lush landscape—flamingos, peacocks, butterflies—Lloyd crafts a coded visual language reflective of personal journeys.
It’s an exhibition that doesn’t seek to shout, but instead lingers—offering cues that only reveal themselves when viewers slow down. Hidden references to LGBTQ+ culture are woven into natural forms, asking the audience not only to look, but to notice.
“This installation is about creating opportunities for reflection and connection. Sharing this experience with the Coral Gables community—a place that’s shaped my journey—makes it especially meaningful.”
David Gary Lloyd, South Florida Artist
A Contemporary Lens on Identity and Symbolism
Lloyd’s work invites a deeper look—blending personal narrative with layered symbolism in a way that is both refined and resonant. Rather than overt declarations, his pieces offer quiet revelations, using nature and portraiture to explore themes of identity, self-expression, and belonging.
His aesthetic combines storytelling with a minimalist sensibility, resulting in art that feels both intimate and expansive. The exhibition engages not only seasoned art viewers but also casual passersby—office tenants, locals, and visitors—who may find themselves unexpectedly drawn into its layered meanings and quiet complexity.
“Art has the power to bring energy and meaning to the spaces we live and work in. David Gary Lloyd’s work embodies the spirit of innovation and cultural richness that defines Coral Gables.”
Mindy McIlroy, President of Terranova Corporation
Art in the Everyday
Presented in partnership with Terranova, the exhibition continues the company’s ongoing commitment to using commercial real estate as a platform for cultural activation. Previous efforts, including the LUMAS Gallery and Oolite Arts Project Space, reflect a pattern: transforming business corridors into living canvases.
With Garden Shadows of the Sun, 255 Alhambra is no longer just an address—it becomes an access point for community, contemplation, and cultural dialogue.
About the Artist
A graduate of The Savannah College of Art and Design, Lloyd holds BFAs in both photography and graphic design. His work has been featured at Context Art Fair during Art Basel, the Coral Gables Museum, and GLAAD’s Art Auction in New York City. He has also served as a teaching artist at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), guiding Florida youth through contemporary art and identity-focused dialogue.
Originally from Annapolis, MD and now based in South Florida, Lloyd continues to explore the intersections of identity, environment, and memory through photography, digital painting, and mixed media. His work has appeared in Vogue Mexico, Harper's Bazaar Brasil, Artforum, Wallpaper Magazine, and DesignMilk.