Mermaid

"Mermaid" is an iconic outdoor sculpture by Roy Lichtenstein, crafted in 1979. This distinctive work integrates concrete, steel, polyurethane, enamel, a palm tree, and water to realize Lichtenstein's artistic vision. Located at the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, it serves as an impressive testament to Lichtenstein's oeuvre and is often heralded as his initial public art commission, although this is occasionally disputed.

The piece was originally commissioned in 1979 for the Theater of the Performing Arts. Lichtenstein designed "Mermaid" specifically for this venue, beginning with line drawings and progressing through various stages of handcrafted wooden models to create the final mold for casting. The sculpture portrays a reclining mermaid set against blue waves capped with white, accompanied by a palm tree, and accented by grey steel clouds. Lichtenstein himself commented on the whimsical nature of transforming painterly forms into sculptures, a theme that is palpable in this work as it captures ephemeral moments in a fixed medium.

Throughout the years, "Mermaid" has undergone several restorations, often coinciding with the theater's renovations and name changes. Municipal workers have refreshed the paint and repaired hurricane damage. A major restoration occurred in 2000, followed by a rededication in 2001. Another restoration was conducted in 2010, involving cleaning, corrosion removal, metal part stabilization, concrete repair, and repainting. This restoration also included replacing lost concrete and adding protective coatings to safeguard the sculpture.

Today, "Mermaid" endures as a celebrated piece of public art in Miami Beach. It not only underscores Lichtenstein's transition from painting to large-scale sculpture but also exemplifies his inventive approach to melding painterly elements with physical structures.