The CASS Contemporary Art Gallery and luxury high-rise apartments Heron partnered to commission artist/muralist Mwanel Pierre-Louis for a one-of-a-kind art mural that’ll greet residents and their guests. CASS sales consultant Tobin Green says gallery owners Jake and Cassie Greatens formed a relationship with Pierre-Louis back in 2017 when they met during Miami’s Art Basel.
“Jake has been following Mwanel for years. He really digs his style and aesthetic,” Green told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
Pierre-Louis got his start with art when he was 4 years old, watching his artist father. His skills developed over the years, allowing him to do his art professionally over the last decade. He’s worked with other brands including Starbucks, Adidas, and Fader Magazine to name a few.
“It’s freedom. To create something out of your mind but still have the access to tap into other people’s mainframe with inspiration or hope, that’s my inspiration,” Pierre-Louis said.
Green said the art gallery was looking for an “international-style artist” who could create something colorful and playful to add to the CASS catalog. Pierre-Louis told CL he got the call about a month ago asking if he wanted to do the mural.
The concept of Pierre-Louis’ mural “Wanderer” was inspired by the building’s bike room, which comes with storage and a repair station with tools. Within a couple days, he sent over design references featuring him in a series of photos riding his bike around Miami.
“It became a spacial yet minimal and colorful piece at the end of the day,” Pierre-Louis said.
Pierre-Louis completed the mural—located at 815 W Water St.—in a week. He explained the difference between his paintings and murals are time, details and equipment.
“Murals are faster because it’s a way bigger scope than paintings. I can actually be free and use different brushes,” he said. “I can usually knock a mural out in 10 days.”
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This article appears in May 6-12, 2021.