TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa International Airport on Wednesday unveiled a new art exhibit with work from a local artist.
The “Joy For All” exhibit will be displayed beginning Wednesday in the airport’s main terminal. It will feature rubber ducks and signature characters from Jabari Reed, also known as iBOMS.
“There are dioramas in here of the airport that I would always see when I’m flying out with my mom, and just to know I’m one of those artists now is mind blowing,” Reed told News Channel 8.
The display was done in partnership with Fairgrounds St. Pete.
“Travel can be stressful,” Liz Dimmitt, CEO of Fairgrounds St. Pete, said in a statement. “Jabari’s artwork will bring smiles and spread kindness to those looking for a quick break along their journey. Partnering with Tampa International Airport offers a worldwide stage for this local artist, and this is just a taste of the immersive exhibit and joy-filled initiative visitors can experience at Fairgrounds St. Pete.”
Reed is 24 years old and is “known to feature wit and joy in his playful and socially poignant artwork,” according to a news release. “His bold, cartoon-style characters reflect not only his own experiences an African American man, but topics like materialism, ego, faith and more.”
The display will be at the airport through September, and a permanent display opens at Fairgrounds St. Petersburg on Thursday.
