Artist MTO's newest project sparks more controversy

A little more than a month after his controversial “Fast Life” mural on 10th Street was painted over, MTO has returned to Sarasota with a new piece that already has residents weighing in with their opinions.

The mural is painted on the north side of the Sarasota Architectural Salvage building just a block away from the Tube Dude building where “Fast Life” was painted. The second mural depicts a large image of a Ray-Ban-wearing doctor holding up a stethoscope, as if to take the pulse of the community.

A nametag identifies the man as Dr. Robin, who is also dubbed a specialist for “leaders” and “haters,” and a reflection in his sunglasses makes a clear reference to Tube Dude.

It’s these details, which were added at the last minute, that have SAS owner Jesse White a little uncomfortable.

White says these controversial elements weren’t included in the thumbnail sketch that he originally approved.

“I’m a little uncomfortable with a few of those things,” said White. “There are references to the city and to Tube Dudes, and there’s a swear word in the nametag. I’m struggling to balance free speech and allowing the artist to express himself with being a good neighbor.”

White says that he and SAS are big proponents of the community’s art scene and freedom of speech, which is why he agreed to have the mural painted in the first place. He says much of the feedback he’s received has been positive, but said the most important thing to him is allowing a community dialogue.

White installed a chalkboard next to the mural, on which people can leave their opinions about the piece, and residents have already began gathering to take photos and debate the appropriateness of the mural.

“I want people to keep coming here to interact and share their opinions,” said White. “Art is supposed to generate conversation, so that’s exciting for me.”

Contact Nick Friedman at [email protected].