Next time you’re walking to or from one of the garages at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), take time to look down.
There, you’ll see the terrazzo floor artwork, “A Journey,” by artist Marielle Plaisir, spanning 1,578 feet in the pedestrian bridge walkway connecting Terminal 1 to two of the airport’s three parking garages.
“I think it is really apropos that the artist has named it ‘A Journey’,” says Mark Gale, CEO/Director of Aviation at FLL, “because for many of us here at the airport we want the experience, the journey, if you will through our airport, to be more pleasant for everyone each and every day.”
For Plaisir, “A Journey” is special because, she says, it is the first time she has created a public art project in Broward County. “Usually, I am working with Miami Dade or with other countries – in France, for instance, but now I am very proud to have this terrazzo where I am living.”
The multi-disciplinary artist of French-Caribbean descent who lives in Hollywood, Fla., says the idea for the terrazzo work was “about showing the diversity of cultures that shape South Florida – Latin American, Caribbean, but also Native American.” The dominant colors in the piece are dark and light blue as a backdrop, with some of the dark blues creating intricate branches and roots. Large pink flowers are prominent as well as green buds and golden leaves.
She talks about how blue is a traditional color in the Native American culture. “It means wisdom and the moon and sea and (it represents) a peaceful place . . . My inspiration was to create a peaceful promenade so that when people come from one side to the other, it’s like walking along a quiet river,” says Plaisir.
Plaisir confides that there is a narrative beyond the work. “For me, it’s not only a design – something charming with bright colors . . .” She talks about being a believer. “A believer in peace. I believe in love, I believe in humanity, that we can build a better world and I believe that the diversity of cultures can . . .hold us together.”
The artist wants those who pass through the walkway to “enjoy this long, quiet promenade.”
Gale says that what was intended to be a simple terrazzo floor has been elevated by Plaisir – a “cheerful welcome runner and a unique amenity to enhance the airport guest experience.”
And, he says, Plaisir’s mission to bring solace through her work will not be lost on airport travelers. “Airports are pretty hectic places. Every now and then we have a few passengers who need a little bit of peace and tranquility in order to get through the facility, and we hope that this wonderful piece of art will help push some of those folks in that direction.”
There are more than 65 pieces of public art at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and FLL has been part of Broward County’s Public Art & Design Program since it began in 1976. Christina E. Roldan is the public art project manager of the Broward County Aviation Department.
Phillip Dunlap, the director of the Broward Cultural Division, says that FLL is the largest partner in the county’s public art program.
“We have over 300 pieces in our public art program and this piece will add to that collection,” says Dunlap. Plaisir’s terrazzo artwork was unveiled on May 29, 2024.
In 2026, Broward County’s public art program will celebrate 50 years.
Click here to see all the public artwork at FLL.
