Rubem Robierb (Exposed PR)

As we’ve been able to chronicle somewhat, Fort Lauderdale is slowly but surely developing a cultural identity all its own. Although it’s still difficult to pin down exactly what that identity is, it’s starting to shine through in the food, music, and art that’s being created in the city.

And while the art in particular is still being created within Fort Lauderdale, it’s no longer being created by local artists only. Artists from outside of Fort Lauderdale have started to take notice of what’s happening in the city and are beginning to join in the ongoing conversation by adding their own contributions.

One of the most recent entrants into the conversation is Brazilian artist Rubem Robierb, who was commissioned to paint a mural along the exterior walls of the Shade Post, a combination boutique, art gallery, and live music venue that recently relocated to downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Robierb’s mural, which will undoubtedly draw comparison to some of the work on the renowned Wynwood Walls of Miami, depicts a series of butterflies with wings outstretched. With a closer inspection, however, it becomes apparent that the body of each butterfly is not comprised of a thorax or abdomen, but rather by a bullet. This butterfly and bullet figure is a recurring motif in the artist’s work.

In discussing the mural, entitled “Metamorph-Us,” owner of the Shade Post Kayce Armstrong, noted that Robierb “has chosen to combine two strong, but opposite images as elements reflecting the feminine and masculine aspects of our psyche, immediately creating a dramatic metaphor for the swift transformations occurring in our world.”

Of course, while Robierb may have sought to make a point about the ongoing transformations occurring in the world, his metaphor is just as apt for the city it now permanently resides in.

Fort Lauderdale is transforming right before its residents’ eyes. If they haven’t noticed already, it will be difficult not to notice now.

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Charlie Crespo (@Little_Utopia) is the editor-in-chief of Little Utopia.

Previously from Charlie Crespo:
♦ Beertopia: Bell’s Hopslam
♦ Viral Video of the Week: You’ll Never Skip Leg Day Again
♦ Sink, Florida, Sink
♦ Viral Video of the Week: Watch this Bear Play with a Bale of Hay
♦ Viral Video of the Week: Don’t Mess with Ronda Rousey