On Tuesday, LEBO’s brother shared the sad news that the artist had died. Among LEBO’s many clients and partners were Ferrari, Google, Redbull, and fashion designer Ralph Pucci. He was 50.
The death of David “LEBO” Le Batard was revealed on the “Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz“ by Le Batard’s elder brother, Dan, a former ESPN anchor and sports journalist for the Miami Herald.
The sportscaster said, “I have been grieving for a year because when he was diagnosed more than a year ago, he has been steadily deteriorating since, and it has been brutally hard to watch a poison eating him up from the inside, and one of the biggest spirits I have ever seen to be consumed by illness.”
On November 19, 1972, David Le Batard entered this world. At 13, he and his family relocated to Broward County from Miami, and he often visited his Cuban grandparents in Little Havana. He attended both Florida International University and the Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School.
When he went by the name LEBO, he fancied himself an “innovator of Postmodern Cartoon Expressionism.” The Cuban-American graphic and fine artist was pleased with his journey from graffiti writing to the successful operation of a Wynwood gallery and a Miami Beach studio.
“I work for myself. I own my own company. I hate the term ‘sellout.’ There’s no selling out,” the artist told the Miami New Times in 2016 about graffiti writers who criticized his business acumen.
In loving memory of David “LEBO” Le Batard, a remarkable artist whose vibrant creations touched the world. May his spirit and artistry continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, LEBO. 🙏💔
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For years, visitors to Miami Beach have been greeted by LEBO’s vibrant painting on the exterior of the Roosevelt Theatre on Arthur Godfrey Road. He made T-shirts and prints to sell for profit. His owls and cats were featured in vibrant murals, paintings, and sculptures; he said his art was about creating “a world where mythology, history, metaphysics, and illustration all join seamlessly.”
LEBO adorned the Norwegian Cruise Line ship The Getaway in Miami with a seascape pattern revolving around a mermaid and three soaring pelicans.
In addition to working with Coke and Vitamin Water and Harley Davidson and Audi and Microsoft and Lulu Lemon and Adidas and American Airlines and Gibson Guitars and Universal Music and Gloria Estefan and Bacardi, and the Miami Heat, he also collaborated with some other companies.
The Miami Heat released a statement: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Miami street artist David Le Batard. Our deepest condolences go out to the Le Batard family as we mourn their loss. RIP Lebo.”
Check below Lebo brother Dan Le Batard’s post on Twitter; We’re Life:
We’re Live ❤️
📺 https://t.co/6IwClttgOL pic.twitter.com/0pIaSXllIn
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) August 1, 2023
A statement from Norwegian Cruise Line stated: “Today, we celebrate the life of our friend and artist David “LEBO” Le Batard, hull artist of Norwegian Getaway. Thank you for sharing your light within the Miami community and around the world. We’re honored to share your artistry and cultural legacy as Norwegian Getaway sails across the globe.”
Join us on lakecountyfloridanews.com and check out the life and artistry of David “LEBO” Le Batard. Share his vibrant creations, spread his cultural legacy, and remember his impact on the world. Let’s honor his memory by keeping his spirit alive through his art.
