Los Angeles-based artist Mario Ayala creates hyperrealistic paintings that mimic cars, food trucks, towing signs and bumper stickers, to irreverently pair non-artistic formats with highly skilled painterly technique. His work draws inspiration from traditions deeply rooted in Californian visual culture, such as muralism, tattooing, and industrial techniques used in automobile painting and commercial signage. For this public art project, he enlarged a painting of a bumper sticker featuring a portrait of the deceased Puerto Rican astrologer and TV sensation Walter Mercado. Depicted in a radiant aura from a realm beyond, Mercado evokes a sense of calm amidst chaotic traffic – a nod to Miami’s vehicular congestion and unruly drivers.
Mario Ayala: Mucho Mucho Amor (Bumper Sticker), 2024

ADDRESS
The Moore, NE 2nd Ave and 40th St
Miami, Florida 33137 Driving Directions
Miami, Florida 33137 Driving Directions
BEST PARKING
Paradise Plaza Garage
NEAREST VALET
Valet Station 5 (V5)