As guided by MDD's Director of Cultural Programming, Karen Grimson, the neighborhood recently commissioned world-renowned Afro-Brazilian artist, Criola, to construct a mural of massive proportions. Hailing from a storied career in cultural art curation, Karen has hit the ground running in her new role- this mural being only the start.

Drawing from her Afro-Brazilian heritage, Criola creates art that explores the protagonism of black women and the importance of their role in the world. Her largest work to date, Interdimensional Portal, is now on display, scaling a massive 39 x 137 feet, in the Miami Design District. Towering over Jungle Plaza, and woven with neon pops of color and bold prints, this mural has electrified the visual landscape of the neighborhood.

On behalf of all female artists of color worldwide, Miami Design District is proud to provide the canvas for a trailblazer in the world of social justice and public art.

Acclaimed muralist, Criola, has significant mural paintings in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Paris, and now right here in the Miami Design District. The artist’s display in Jungle Plaza will be her largest mural to date, and her second public work in the US, following “Black Girl Magic” done in Las Vegas last year. Her mural, Interdimensional Portal, portrays Afro-Brazilian ancestors in ritualistic performance, accessing ancient forest wisdom for medicinal purposes, and transcending thresholds of knowledge.