Bob Marley's Legend was released in 1984 and went on to become the number one selling reggae album of all time.
Lesson learned? Revolution is big business. But like Miami artist Trek6 says, "Bob Marley is the one real major pop star who delivered a gritty, anti-establishment message and never watered down his lyrics. His music spoke to millions, but he never sold out."
Now, Bob Marley is coming to HistoryMiami, and Trek6 is completing his commissioned mural in honor of the reggae legend in the museum lobby celebrating the exhibition.
The Bob Marley: Messenger exhibition opens October 10 with a live concert by Jahfe, drinks, and a party. The show runs for three months and includes memorabilia like Bob's guitar, his Bible, family photos, and much more.
By the time you read this, Trek's mural will be done, and you can check out the private collection preview currently on display too.
Trek6 says, "To be doing something like this in a museum is an honor. I've never done anything like it. I feel like every step forward that I take is a step forward for all us locals. It's just art. I don't even like calling it street art or urban art. Those are just labels made to break it down so someone can market it."
"It took me a while to realize, but Bob Marley's left eye sort of falls asleep a bit. If you remove that detail from his face it doesn't even look like him."
"The piece is all done with acrylic paint and Krink markers."
"I did this graffiti stuff in the corner here. I don't know how people are gonna feel about that, but I like it. I'm not an active writer, but I support that. I come from an era of Miami graffiti with very thuggish cops. You know they consider more than three individuals committing a crime together to be a gang? Graffiti is bunched right in with killing and selling drugs. I've been slapped with a gun by a cop, and seen my friend's parents beat down. I didn't know Reefa well, but I met him a couple of times, and all my respect and condolences to him and his family."
See the 3-wall Bob Marley mural at HistoryMiami (101 West Flagler Street), and look out for the Bob Marley: Messenger exhibition. Visit historymiami.org.
Follow Cultist on Facebook and Twitter @CultistMiami.
