David Le Batard

David Adam Le Batard (19 November 1972 – 1 August 2023), also known by the nickname LEBO, was an American graphic and fine artist known for his murals, live painting, and sculpture. He was described as having been one of southern Florida's "most recognizable artists",[1] and "almost an institution" in the art world for his wide range of media, projects, and locations.[2]

LEBO painting live at the Miami Book Fair International in 2014

Personal history

Le Batard was born in New York City on 19 November 1972, to Cuban immigrant parents, Gonzalo and Lourdes Le Batard.[3] He was raised in South Florida,[4] where he attended the Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Florida, then Florida International University.[5] He won the 1990 Silver Knight Award for art in Broward County, Florida,[6] and later judged that competition. He was a lecturer in residence at the International Museum of Cartoon Art while attending Florida International University, which he graduated in 1995.[3][2]

Le Batard was the younger brother of Miami sportswriter Dan Le Batard, who hosts the radio and television program The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz. David occasionally made appearances on his brother's show despite the fact that he had, by his own admission, never willingly attended a sporting event. He also served as the show's art director, designing television graphics and its former studio at the Clevelander Hotel.[7]

David Le Batard died on 1 August 2023, at the age of 50.[8][9][10]

Themes and influences

LeBatard referred to his work as "postmodern cartoon art expressionism".[11] His work often depicts musicians and musical metaphors, inspired by street art and Cuban music.[4] His visual style involved "soulful" line-based abstractions against bold flat color backgrounds.[1]

Works, collaborations and commissions

Le Batard also worked in the media of fabric, aircraft exteriors, cruise ship hull artwork, stained glass, furniture (he collaborated with designer Ralh Pucci, among others) and flower shows. In 2008 he collaborated with an Italian tile manufacturer to design the world's largest mosaic mural in Venice, Italy.[4]

Le Batard designed the exterior of Norwegian Getaway.[12]

References
  1. Garcia, Vanessa. "Inside the artist's studio". Miami Herald. Miami Herald. Retrieved 5 August 2004.
  2. Schaub, Charlyne Varkonyi (22 August 2004). "Artist finds commercial, fine art worlds blend". The Bradenton Herald. Fort Lauderdale. p. 74. Retrieved 7 December 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. Balmaseda, Liz (13 July 1997). "Artist's Cartoon World Fuses Patria and Pop Culture". Miami Herald. pp. 1I, 5I. Retrieved 7 December 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Live Paintings by LEBO; Langerado Music Festival". Langerado. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
  5. "Artist draws on his experience". Miami Herald. 1 January 1990. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  6. "Ceremony honors Broward's best, brightest students". The Miami Herald. 9 May 1990. p. 14A.
  7. Lebatard, & Friends. "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  8. Miami artist LEBO dies after struggle with illness
  9. Rosa, Amanda (1 August 2023). "Miami artist David Le Batard, known as Lebo, dies at 50, says brother Dan Le Batard". Miami Herald. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  10. Miami, Herald. "Miami artist David Le Batard, known as Lebo, dies at 50, says brother Dan Le Batard". Miami Herald. Miami Herald. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  11. Fordam, John. "Guru of Groove". Art Exist. John Fordam. Retrieved 1 August 2008.
  12. "Cruise Trends 2014". Sun-Journal. 25 January 2014. p. B8.
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