The dunes of Cape Henlopen are a living landscape. Covered in coastal plants and grasses, these ever-shifting sand dunes create and sustain life. The species that builds and shapes the dunes is called American Beach Grass. Each beach grass plant extends roots and shoots called rhizomes that interconnect underground. The grasses depend on wind and sand to supply nutrients and stimulate rhizome growth, which strengthens the dunes. It is this collaborative system of grasses, wind, and sand that inspired Monroe Isenberg to create the series of artworks on view at Cape Henlopen in this exhibition. 

In January 2023, Monroe Isenberg set out to make collaborative drawings with American Beach Grass at Cape Henlopen. He set up a makeshift art studio in one of the nearby camping cabins. There he applied charcoal and pastels to sheets of semi-translucent film, which he staked above patches of grass. At that point, the creative work was up to the wind, sand, and grasses. The artworks in this exhibition represent the “brushstrokes” of beach grass against Isenberg’s prepared film sheets. Depending upon wind conditions, these range from subtle to dramatic.

This project was undertaken under the guidance of Delaware State Parks biologists and programming staff. Great care was taken to leave the environment undisturbed. This is an opportunity to honor the creative potential of this unique coastal environment through an artistic intervention.

Isenberg’s residency was organized by Past Present Projects, whose work brings contemporary art into historic spaces. Zindzi Harley, independent curator and creative consultant, selected Monroe Isenberg for this project. This installation is presented in a historic barrack building at Fort Miles, a military site created to fortify the Delaware coast from invasion during World War II. The purpose of Fort Miles connects to the important work of American Beach Grass at Cape Henlopen–to fortify the coast. Isenberg’s installation of collaborative drawings in this space amplifies the significance of American Beach Grass as a species that protects the coastline.

Participating Artist: Monroe Isenberg

Curated by Zindzi Harley