ROYAL PALM

Media: Aluminum wet paint
Location: Private Collector in Coral Gables, FL
Fabrication Year: 2018

Native to Florida and the West Indies, extensively planted because of their rapid growth and adaptability.

Being raised in a tropical climate, lugufelo has often found inspiration in the lush, tropical vegetation of his native Venezuela. Majestic Palm is a perfect example. Palms have an important part in history.

In many historical cultures, palms were symbols for such ideas as victory, peace, and fertility. The upward shape of the statue is reminiscent of strength and power, while the double leaf construction allows the viewer to imagine being wrapped in its peace and serenity.

Ironically, these palm leaves also help to form a bridge between distinct cultures - perhaps symbolizing how the artist was able to find common ground in his adopted home of the USA.

Almost every North American can identify themselves with a palm and the warm, tropical beaches that it symbolizes -- circling right back to the palm being a symbol of peace and calm in an otherwise hectic world.