Only a year ago, we were in Miami witnessing how a graffiti tower featuring over a hundred international writers and painters transformed the skyline—especially when contrasted against the uninspired, boxy corporate buildings that dominate the area, products of architectural firms known for decades for their pattern of missed opportunities of urban design.

Now, right next door, we begin the year with a vibrant and thought-provoking project by French graffiti writer, street artist, muralist, and natural scientist Mantra. Tasked with breathing life into the rooftop of a multi-story parking garage in Miami, Mantra delivers a masterclass on how art can energize and possibly educate.

Mantra’s artistry goes beyond aesthetics; his murals are environmental narratives intrinsically rooted in his passion for entomology and the natural sciences. This latest work transforms an otherwise overlooked rooftop into an expansive visual dialogue about conservation and the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

By showcasing the fragile beauty of species like the endangered ‘Miami Blue,’ Mantra forces viewers to confront what is at risk as urban landscapes encroach upon natural habitats. While some may marvel at the mural’s sheer scale and technique—achieved without projections or stencils—what truly resonates is the intimacy Mantra creates within the grandeur.

Each butterfly seems to hold its breath, inviting quiet reflection no matter your distance from it. It’s an extraordinary juxtaposition: the fragility of nature presented boldly against the Miami skyline, compelling us to consider our impact on the natural world.

As often happens when we see a finished piece by Mantra, this feels like a call to action, a vivid reminder that every city has room to nurture life beyond its asphalt and concrete. With this work, Mantra beautifies Miami and (possibly) deepens its cultural and ecological dialogue, proving that art can be both breathtaking and profoundly purposeful.

238

138

45