History
David Le Batard (Lebo) was born in New York City in 1972 to Cuban immigrant parents. He was raised in South Florida, surrounded by Cuban art, which had a great influence on his artistic style. While in school, he dedicated his free time to teaching himself to draw and learning different forms of art. After graduating from Florida International University in 1995, Lebo took residency at the International Museum of Cartoon Art in Boca Raton, Florida. Lebo’s foray into the art world began in 1996 during his first public exhibit at Johnson & Wales University, becoming the first step in toward a successful career in art. Since then, he has exhibited at a wide variety of events and venues. Heavily inspired by music and the music scene, Lebo has participated in many live-art performances, painting on stage and bringing the music to life.
“What I would like to bring out in the viewing experience for people is a sense of hopefulness first, the idea that there is something beyond what it is we think we know and that thing is something much greater than ourselves.”
Inspiration
Lebo’s art is heavily inspired by music and the music scene. He has participated in many live-art performances, painting on stage and bringing the music to life. He has painted alongside many headlining musical talents, including The Beastie Boys. Lebo refers to his artistic style as “Post-Modern Cartoon Expressionism,” combining abstract imagery, cartoon drawing, symbolism, bold hues and calligraphy together in a narrative style to convey emotion and story within his work.