French artist Mantra, known as Youri Cansell in the art world, recently undertook his most ambitious project to date—a colorful 35,000 square foot mural that now graces the Miami skyline. This massive artwork not only marks his largest project in scale but also stands as Miami’s largest rooftop mural, injecting a burst of vibrancy into the cityscape. The mural, curated by Justkids Art Consulting, adorns the roof of the Southeast Financial Center, transforming it into a breathtaking trompe l’oeil masterpiece.
In this striking composition, Mantra showcases over a dozen hyperrealistic butterflies, including the endangered Miami Blue species native to South Florida. The intricate details of the butterflies, meticulously painted by Mantra with over 200 gallons of paint, required a staggering 400 hours of dedicated work. What makes this endeavor all the more impressive is that the artist chose to work exclusively with rollers, braving the challenges of unpredictable weather conditions—such as strong winds and morning dampness from the nearby ocean—to achieve the desired level of detail.
In a recent interview with My Modern Met, Mantra shared his deep-rooted connection to butterflies, which have been a central theme in his artistic repertoire for years. Beyond their symbolic significance of metamorphosis, these delicate creatures symbolize the essence of life and nature for the artist. “Butterflies reflect my fascination, attachment, and love for what we call nature,” Mantra explains. “In my work, I try to reconnect humanity and nature and create a dialogue that emphasizes our place within a broader, interconnected world.”
Mantra’s creative process strikes a delicate balance between the rational and emotional realms, blending a scientific approach with a romantic vision of existence. Drawing inspiration from his personal observations and documentation of nature, the artist meticulously recreates the specimens he encounters with scientific accuracy. “I am attached to sharing the specimens as they are, so I am painting them scientifically accurate to the last detail,” Mantra elaborates, underscoring his commitment to capturing the true essence of these natural wonders.
As a street artist, Mantra thrives on the challenges posed by large-scale projects like this mural. The physical exertion, unpredictable elements, and time-consuming nature of such endeavors push him to surpass his limits, akin to an athlete training for a competition. Through these monumental works, Mantra not only expresses himself but also seeks to engage with public opinion and contribute meaningfully to the community. By sparking conversations about humanity’s relationship with nature, he encourages viewers to ponder the value and preservation of these fleeting moments of raw beauty.
For Mantra, art is a deeply personal and reflective journey fueled by a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. Rather than imposing fixed messages or concepts on his audience, the artist invites them to immerse themselves in the moment and interpret his work in their unique way. By encouraging introspection and contemplation, Mantra’s art serves as a catalyst for dialogue about our connection to nature and the living world, prompting viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the environment.
In conclusion, Mantra’s monumental butterfly mural not only adds a burst of color to the Miami skyline but also serves as a profound reflection on the intricate beauty of nature and humanity’s place within it. Through his painstaking attention to detail and unwavering dedication to his craft, Mantra invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the fleeting moments of wonder that surround us in the world.
