Miami-based artist David ‘LEBO’ Le Batard unveils his design for Norwegian Getaway’s hull artwork
Norwegian Cruise Line commissioned Miami-based artist David ‘LEBO‘ Le Batard to design the hull artwork of the Norwegian Getaway, launching in January 2o14. The design features a whimsical tropical ocean theme with a mermaid holding the sun, pelicans and palm trees befitting the ship’s year round home port of Miami. “Having grown up in South Florida, the ocean has been an immense presence in my life and has been infused into my work as an artist,” said David ‘LEBO’ Le Batard. “When I was asked to design the artwork for Norwegian Getaway, I saw an opportunity to create a prominent image, one that would surely help to define the Miami seascape and illustrate the world-class experience that Norwegian Cruise Line has come to stand for. It is truly an honor to have been offered this canvas, as it gives the world an opportunity to see my work in a way few artists ever get to see in their entire lives.”
According to LEBO, Norwegian Getaway’s hull art design is centered on a mythical mermaid, an iconic image that represents humanity’s connection to the sea, and features her to be skimming across the surface of the water. Surrounding the mermaid is a fusion of sea and sky dancing across the ship, where three pelicans gracefully glide along in the artist’s version of tropical paradise.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Sheehan said that “LEBO’s incredible design reflects all of the elements that Miami’s skyline is known for – sea, sun and paradise. His artwork will surely make Norwegian Getaway an iconic part of the Miami skyline when she arrives as Miami’s largest year-round ship in 2o14.”
With paintings on exhibit in museums and galleries worldwide including Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, South Africa, Germany and Italy, LEBO is one of Miami’s most beloved and well-known artists. His murals and site-specific installations have energized communities such as Miami’s Calle Ocho, Uptown New Orleans and Downtown San Francisco. Inspired by his work on Norwegian Getaway, LEBO revealed a series of paintings entitled, ‘Where Our Souls Meet The Sea’, during Art Basel Miami 2o12. Widely recognized for his work in a wide spectrum of creative mediums including murals, paintings and sculptures, LEBO is known as the innovator of Post-Modern Cartoon Expressionism, a movement that combines cartoon imagery with bold color and unique linear composition. LEBO’s formal arts training began at Florida International University in Miami, and further developed during his residency at the International Museum of Cartoon Art in Boca Raton.
