In a visually stunning collaboration between Broward County’s Public Art & Design Program and Monochronicle, Italian artist Manuel Di Rita, also known as Peeta, brought his distinctive blend of 3D art and street murals to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The project aimed to create an artistic landmark on the Heron Garage, a newly constructed 1,800-vehicle structure, serving as a gateway for cruise passengers.

About the Mural: Titled Heron, the mural features a stunning rendition of the Great White Heron, a bird native to South Florida, and spans an impressive 70 feet in height. Using his signature anamorphic technique, Peeta incorporated a mix of blue, green, white, and orange to symbolize the area’s natural environment—water, sky, and vegetation. The mural’s abstract style and sculptural illusion create an interactive experience that changes depending on the viewer’s perspective. The bird appears in graceful motion, captured mid-flight or standing among mangroves, contributing a sense of depth and movement to the structure.

The mural, designed to serve as a wayfinding marker for Port Everglades, also reflects Peeta’s broader goal: to use public art to explore relationships between the natural and urban environments. The artwork, through its visual complexity and aesthetic harmony, enhances the cultural landscape of the Port, making it a central feature for both residents and tourists. This monumental mural not only beautifies the Port but also serves as an enduring reminder of Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant art scene.

Project Execution: Monochronicle led the selection of Peeta through an open call, a hallmark of its commitment to community-focused art curation. With Iryna Kanishcheva, a well-respected public art curator, managing the project, Peeta’s artwork perfectly merged with the architectural and cultural identity of Fort Lauderdale. The project was realized within a $200,000 budget that included materials, installation, insurance, and artist fees.

According to Peeta, the design was conceptualized back in 2020 but delayed due to the pandemic. However, the project came to life in 2022, making an immediate impact, including being named the #1 mural in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine.

Community Engagement and Workshop: As part of the project’s outreach efforts, a free community workshop was held at the Seafarer’s House, where Peeta conducted a masterclass with 13 emerging local artists. He demonstrated techniques for translating a conceptual design into a large-scale mural, providing hands-on training in 3D art and anamorphic designs. “Working alongside Peeta allowed our local artists to gain invaluable experience,” stated Cultural Division Project Manager Dominique Denis. She further noted how the collaboration with Monochronicle, led by Iryna Kanishcheva, “nurtured local talent and expanded our public art mission.”

Artistic Vision: Peeta’s art is known for its interplay between two-dimensional and three-dimensional perspectives. In Heron, this balance is achieved through a unique integration of architectural shapes and natural forms, where the mural interacts with the building itself. The use of illusionary 3D forms makes the heron appear almost sculptural, hovering in front of the garage.

Peeta’s innovative design is not just visually compelling but also functionally integrated into the structure. “Through the artwork, I hope to inspire viewers to see familiar spaces in a new way,” Peeta remarked during the unveiling ceremony. “This project is an exploration of how art can transform an ordinary structure into something extraordinary.”

Impact and Reception: The mural has become a celebrated public artwork, enhancing Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as a destination for world-class public art. Port Director Jonathan Daniels remarked that Heron has been an inspiring addition to the Port Everglades complex. The mural is not just an artistic focal point but a symbol of Fort Lauderdale’s blend of culture and nature. The mural, located on a major transport hub, greets visitors with a vibrant visual experience, symbolizing Florida’s tropical environment and creative spirit.

Call to Action: Discover available original designs by Monochronicle artists and bring innovative, large-scale artwork to your public or private spaces. Visit Monochronicle Marketplace for more details.

References

• Broadway World. (2022, April 22). New Mural by Peeta Unveiled on Heron Garage. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.broadwayworld.com/miami/article/New-Mural-By-Peeta-Unveiled-On-Heron-Garage-20220422
• I Support Street Art. (2022, January 8). Heron Mural by Peeta in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.isupportstreetart.com/heron-mural-by-peeta-in-fort-lauderdale-florida/
• Public Art Archive. (2022). Heron by Peeta in Fort Lauderdale. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://publicartarchive.org/art/Heron/7b0cd0d7
• Street Art News. (2021, December). Heron by Peeta in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://streetartnews.net/2021/12/heron-by-peeta-in-fort-lauderdale-florida.html
• Brooklyn Street Art. (2022, January 8). Peeta and a Soaring Heron in Fort Lauderdale. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.brooklynstreetart.com/2022/01/08/peeta-and-a-soaring-heron-in-fort-lauderdale/
• Urbanite Webzine. (2022, January 4). Peeta in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.urbanitewebzine.com/2022/01/04/peeta-in-fort-lauderdale-florida/
• Fort Lauderdale Magazine. (2022). The Best of Fort Lauderdale 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://fortlauderdalemagazine.com/the-best-of-fort-lauderdale-2022/