Throughout the streets of Miami’s Little Haiti and beyond, locals and visitors alike are drawn to the vibrant, fascinatingly geometric street art creations crafted by multimedium artist Marcus Blake. Completely self-taught, Blake has been a beloved member of Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s arts community for years, creating visually dynamic works infused with a bold, often pastel color palette.

Aside from his larger-than-life creations around Miami, Blake also does collages and acrylics on canvas as well as performance art, music, poetry and fashion. His iconic geometric patterns adorn a range of items, from jackets and shoes to fanny packs and cushions, showcasing his artistry across a range of items at his online store.

Colorful American Pharaoh art by Marcus Blake — Blake's award-winning "American Pharoah"

Cultivating Creativity in Miami

Blake hails from Jamaica, but for years, he has shared his passion for art with Miami. From opening his first studio, Base Art Space, to coordinating and participating in local art events, the idea that guides him is cultivating creativity in order to bring people together in a meaningful way. During the weekly Little Bohemia Miami, he continues to explore all areas of creativity and inspire other artists to express themselves through music, dance, poetry, photography and more in Little Haiti.

Bringing His Artistic Perspective To Miami

Blake has hosted countless performance events, brightened dozens of structures with his art and nurtured the local artistic community. From Little Haiti to Historic Overtown and from Downtown Miami to Liberty City, Blake’s colorful touch can be spotted all over town. Even for those who may not know him by name, his intricate works are part of the fabric of the destination.

Since the early 2000s, Blake has been making a mark on the local art scene in his own way. His motto, “We are the culture,” is a simple but impactful summation of his belief that through art, people can be united in emotion, beauty and visual expression.

His art piece “American Pharoah” won him the 2018 Art of Black Miami Cover Competition. Blake received a cash award and featured cover story in M•I•A magazine. The magazine’s Art of Black Miami issue is a beautiful representation of and guide to galleries that represent artists of the Black diaspora.

Art of Black Miami is a marketing platform and destination driver that showcases the diversity of the visual arts locally, nationally and internationally, celebrating the Black diaspora. This initiative highlights the artistic cultural landscape found in Miami's heritage neighborhoods and communities year-round.

“Tapenology” Takes Over the Miami Street Art Scene

Though Blake puts virtually no boundaries on his creative expression, with pieces that appear in public spaces, restaurants and offices in Miami, the work he is perhaps best known for is his “Tapenology” series of street art murals. Comprised of complex layers, a rainbow of colors and a unique, geometric style, his approach is as much about the process as it is about the final product.

For Blake, creating each piece is akin to meditation. His work captures his vision of allowing a pattern to grow and expand until it takes over a specific space, accomplishing an all-encompassing effect that reminds him of the power of nature itself. Sometimes his murals take on an entire wall, while other pieces are dedicated to just a door or a column. It all depends on which elements call out to Blake and his artistic eye.

Black and white geometric art by Marcus Blake — Art by Marcus Blake

Seeking Inspiration from All Angles of Miami

Blake’s childhood years spent in Jamaica aren’t just a part of his past; they’re a major player in his present and future. In fact, many of his favorite things to see and do in Miami are intertwined with personal experiences he had in his native country. As Blake explains:

"Being from Jamaica, my childhood consisted of climbing hills and mountains. Since that [type of landscape] is non-existent here, I'm always seeking out places of high elevation, whether in a tree or a rooftop lounge. I love being connected with green spaces, so parks have always been a go-to for me. I have a history with the classic beauties of Morningside and Legion Park, but I'm always inclined to explore and find other hidden gems, such as Alice Wainwright Park in Coconut Grove and Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park."

He finds inspiration in the famously bright colors of Miami as well as the ever-changing architecture, which he says, “keeps my mind sharp, giving me new ideas and looking for new places to paint.” There isn’t just one artist that Blake can designate as his sole inspiration, especially because he finds ideas in so many varying aspects of everyday life, ranging from personal experiences to social injustices.

"I was not inspired by any one person in particular to become an artist,” he says. “For me, art has always been a way to process my emotions and express the world around me."

You’ll rarely see Blake traveling by car because he much prefers experiencing Miami while seated atop a bike. Aside from being a simple way to avoid traffic and parking issues, bicycling incorporates fresh air, peaceful back roads and up-close views of urban beauty into his daily routines.

If Blake isn’t busy in his studio, you might spot him enjoying a meal at his favorite restaurant in Little Haiti, Fiorito, which he says "adds to the cultural palettes of Little Haiti." He enjoys the outdoor patio and soccer tournament atmosphere of this Argentine restaurant.

The gorgeous weather is one of the things Blake loves most about Miami, but even more so, he adores the area’s distinct character. He describes Miami as “one big backyard,” with a unique balance of big-city and small-town feel. With Blake infusing the community with his talents, our Miami backyard is certainly more beautiful than ever.

Discover More of Blake’s Artistic Contributions

Once you’ve realized the full scale of the artistic contributions Blake has made to the community, one thing becomes absolutely clear: Miami has undoubtedly been brightened by his creative presence.

Follow Marcus Blake and his work on Facebook and Instagram.

Watch a video featuring Marcus Blake

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