Johan Bergelin: “Miami - a metropolis with deep roots in art and cultural diversity, surrounded by sunshine, white sand and the ocean. Referred to as Paradise Lost in the 1980s. During this period, Hotel Mutiny stood out as a lush oasis within the apocalypse and hosted a free trading zone and a never-ending party with gorgeous models, kingpins, and legendary artists. The TV show Miami Vice has been a major influence on fashion and includes Armani jackets in pastels, rolled-up sleeves.”
Miami Blue Fragrance Journey - ROYGBIV in Wynwood. The parkways were lined with tall, leafy palm trees and the local radio station played classics with Gloria Estefan, Donna Summer and, of course, Will Smith. Can you feel that? Welcome to Miami. Down at South Beach, people were running and biking, making the most of the fresh morning breeze. A healing tang of salt lingered in the air and blended with the sunshine. As they got closer to Wynwood Art District, the streets got rougher and the vibe changed. Formerly an industrial district, now known to host some serious street art. They passed a few blocks and eventually stopped in front of the construction site on the corner of NW 23rd St. and NW 6th Ave. “Whoa, check this out J. I’ve kept my eye on this spot for weeks, since yesterday the whole wall has been buffed.” They parked and continued to study the freshly painted surface through the windshield. “OK, let’s unload. We really have to work fast.”J removed the ladder from the top of the Volvo while C wedged a stick to keep the trunk open. The old, gray station wagon was packed with buckets of paint, extension poles, rollers and brushes all purchased from ID art supply on Biscayne Blvd. J put on his long, beige robe, a gift from his friend Pete. Then they placed the colors in accurate order: ROYGBIV. There was no fence, just a low rope in front of the building, a silent warning not to trespass. J started to make the draft while glancing at his notebook: a giant hand with the index and middle fingers raised and parted to make a V shape. The other three fingers were clenched. Underneath he stated, using capital letters: ONE HUMAN FAMILY. Then suddenly: The undeniable, unmistakable sound of a police car. Woop-woop.
*The Fragrance Journey is based on when the creators of Miami Blue were arrested in Wynwood, Miami.
