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Titled “Be Inspired by Art”, this mural reflects identity, journey, and connection.
On the left, a black and white portrait emerging from nature represents the artist’s inner world, the place where creativity begins through reflection and emotion. At the center, Miami appears through warm sunsets and palm trees, capturing the energy of the city and the moment where cultures meet. As an artist from Aruba painting in Miami, Rasheed brings his Caribbean perspective into a new environment.
On the right, the flags of Aruba and the United States appear alongside Dutch tulips, honoring heritage and the cultural partnerships that helped make the project possible.
Installed inside a school, the mural serves as a message to students that creativity can open doors and that inspiration can come from anywhere.
Rasheed’s journey began in San Nicolas, Aruba’s cultural center for mural art and home of the Aruba Art Fair, organized by ArtisA.
At just 13 years old, Rasheed was discovered by ArtisA, where founder and director Tito Bolivar recognized his talent and potential. Together with the ArtisA team, including board member Jody Leanes, the organization mentored and supported Rasheed until he turned 18.
Inspired early on by international artists such as Portuguese muralist Mr. Dheo, Rasheed began developing his own voice as a muralist. At 15, he painted his first official mural at the Aruba Art Fair, and at 18, he returned to create his second mural, showing the growth of his artistic journey.
ArtisA’s first mural in Miami
The opportunity to paint in Miami came through Maidi from the Dutch Consulate in Miami, opening the door for this international collaboration.
With this project, ArtisA realized its first international mural, created by Rasheed and supported on site by Tito Bolivar and Jody Leanes, who traveled to Miami to stand beside the young artist they had mentored for years.
The mural, created in a school environment, is now recognized as the first official mural by an Aruban muralist in the United States.
Rasheed’s journey from a 13 year old inspired by murals in San Nicolas to a 21 year old artist painting internationally reflects ArtisA’s ongoing commitment to developing young artists and sharing the creative spirit of Aruba with the world.
Be Inspired by Art.
Rasheed’s mural “Be Inspired by Art” tells a story of identity, journey, and connection. From discovering his passion for mural art at the Aruba Art Fair at just 13 years old, to painting the first official mural by an Aruban artist in the United States, his path reflects years of dedication, mentorship, and growth supported by ArtisA.
Curaçaoan artist Francis Sling brings a poetic story to life on the wall of Henry Mack / Little River Elementary School in Miami. Inspired by a simple conversation with a small piece of toilet paper that believed its purpose was only to clean dirt, the mural explores perspective, value, and the power of seeing differently. What began as a tiny artwork has now grown into a colorful public mural, reminding students and visitors alike of a simple truth: don’t believe everything you think.
