On Thursday, September 25, 2003, Governor Jeb Bush, in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), unveiled two large scale murals created by Cuban-American artist Xavier Cortada.  The exhibition is part of a statewide celebration initiated by Governor Jeb Bush to commemorate five centuries of Hispanic history, culture, and prosperity in Florida.

"Mangrove"

"Journey"

Well-known for his collaborative public artwork, Xavier Cortada has previously completed commissions for the White House, the World Bank, and numerous other organizations. For this project, he worked solo to create two large murals, each measuring 55” x 116,” which illustrate Florida’s unique Hispanic heritage. One of the murals portrays the first encounter between Ponce de Leon and Florida’s indigenous residents against the backdrop of a beach and mangroves. “The mangroves’ walking feet serve as a metaphor for the growth and evolution of the state,” states Cortada. The other mural captures the journey many others have made since Ponce de Leon named the state La Florida.

Xavier Cortada’s murals will be on display at the Plaza Level of the State Capitol Building through October 31.