Honoring the Legacy of David “LEBO” Lebatard. Godspeed
The art world has always been a canvas for creative souls to leave their indelible marks, and the recent passing of David Lebatard, known by his artistic pseudonym Lebo, has left a void that resonates deeply within the art community. Lebo's vibrant, energetic creations and his unique approach to storytelling through art have made a lasting impact on both the art world and the lives of those who have had the privilege of experiencing his work. In this blog post, we pay tribute to the creative force that was David Lebatard and his iconic Lebo Art.
Bruno Dede and David LeBatard at LEBO studio.
Metro Group Miami CEO and founder, Bruno Dede reflected on their longtime friendship:
“I met David “LEBO” Le Batard 20 years ago. I came across some amazing hand-painted art at Burdines, which is now Macy’s. I asked to meet this artist so I could discuss future projects together. When we met, we immediately bonded over our common interests, and as we spent more time together, our rapport grew. We knew we would have a bright future sharing our creative visions. I asked him if he would like to add art on our work vehicles and branding for Metro’s 15-year anniversary. This was a new venture because David only painted and drew his art by hand. He began by drawing mermaids and elements on paper with pen and ink. We took his art, scanned it, and added color together. Once we finished the compositions, we printed and wrapped our vehicles. He was inspired by this new medium and was able to implement this process in some of his future work. As LEBO expanded into the digital art world, it enabled him to produce more art on numerous new materials.
I feel blessed to have grown together in our career, friendship, and brotherhood of showcasing art and the love of art. No one was adding art to vehicles in this manner. In fact, it confused many people why we would add art on a work truck. I was quick to respond “Because we love art and want our world to be a canvas.” Since then, we have added his art on numerous amount of vehicles, substrates, and walls throughout the city of Miami and South Florida.
I will miss his talent, smile, and friendship we shared. I will forever honor and miss him. Rest in paradise, my friend”
David Lebatard's passing reminds us of the power of art to transcend time, culture, and even life itself. His Lebo Art not only brought colors and stories to life but also brought people together, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity. As we honor his legacy, let us continue to celebrate the joy, vibrancy, and connection that his art exudes, keeping his spirit alive through the masterpieces he leaves behind.
Lebo discusses the vision behind his custom-wrapped van by MetroWrapz.
