– Artist inspired by South Florida’s culture and landscape –
  
BROWARD COUNTY, FL -  The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), in partnership with the Broward Cultural Division, unveiled a new terrazzo floor artwork in Terminal 1 on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. The artwork spans 1,578 square feet in the pedestrian bridge walkway connecting Terminal 1 to the Hibiscus garage.

“A Journey” by artist Marielle Plaisir displays a serene blue backdrop with intricate branches, roots, large pink flowers, green buds, and golden leaves. The artwork symbolizes the identity of South Florida, shaped by the vibrant cultures of Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, and the rich Native American heritage. 

“My inspiration was to create a peaceful promenade so that when people come from one side to the other, it’s like walking along a quiet river,” said Plaisir.

Millions of passengers travel through Terminal 1 annually, which holds half of FLL’s top 10 carriers. This walkway is a high-traffic area and the main access to Terminal 1 from two of the airport’s three parking garages.

“It’s always a great day when we get to unveil a new installation and add to our ever-growing and diverse collection of over 60 public art pieces here at FLL,” said Mark Gale, FLL CEO/Director of Aviation. “This new terrazzo floor artwork captures the vibrance and happiness we always want our visitors to feel traveling through our airport.”

Plaisir graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts et Arts Décoratifs in Bordeaux, France. She has exhibited at international biennials, including those in São Paulo, Santo Domingo (where she won a gold medal), Dakar, Benin, Florence, Dublin, Art Basel, and the Armory Show. Her works are part of museum collections in Europe and the United States. Among her awards are the South Florida Cultural Consortium Award in 2018, the Southern Prize in 2020, and the Knight Foundation New Work Award in 2022. She is represented by Snitzer Gallery (Miami), Tafeta Gallery (London), and K Contemporary Gallery (Denver).

About Broward’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
In 2023, FLL served 35.1 million passengers. Pre-pandemic, the airport generated $37.5 billion in economic activity annually and nearly 18,000 direct, local jobs.  FLL is located in Greater Fort Lauderdale in the heart of Florida’s Gold Coast. The Aviation Department, FLL’s operator, is a self-supporting agency of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners that does not rely on local tax dollars for operations and capital improvements. The department also operates North Perry Airport, a general aviation facility for private and charter aircraft operators. Call 954-359-6100 for more information. For updates on airport programs and services, follow us on X, like us on Facebook, or visit fll.net.

About Broward County Cultural Division
The Broward County Cultural Division advances arts and culture throughout greater Fort Lauderdale. It invests in the creative sector by providing marketing and capacity-building opportunities for artists, organizations, and talent through events and activities that fuel Broward’s creative infrastructure. The Cultural Division includes the county’s Public Art & Design program and grantmaking program that provides over $6 million in annual support for cultural organizations and artists while engaging the community in education and advocacy initiatives. For more information on programs, grants, calls-to-artists, and more, visit @BrowardArts on Instagram, Facebook, or Broward.org/Arts.

May 29, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS: Arlene Satchell, Public Information Officer
Broward County Aviation Department
954-359-6116
asatchell@broward.org

Meredith Clements, Marketing Director
Broward Cultural Division
954-357-7463
mclements@broward.org