Daniel Fila aka Krave

The Fisher is the second in a two-part series of works by Daniel Fila, also known as Krave. This mural continues the renowned artist’s aquatic theme at Destin Commons, depicting a fisherman making a splash as he reels in his catch. The subject matter pays homage to Destin’s heritage as a former fishing village.

As is often the case with Fila’s art, there is much more to this work than first meets the eye. On closer examination, the fisherman—painted in sun-dappled shades of aquamarine and indigo blue—appears to be an extension of the ocean. His blurred features, along with the rounded lines of his body and arched fishing line—suggestive of gently rolling waves—further the impression of oneness with the sea.

Interestingly, although Fila includes a generous splash—with water even puddling on the sidewalk under the mural—no hint is provided as to the responsible party. A sign on the pier wall ambiguously states “Freshly Caught”, leaving us to wonder who, in fact, has been hooked. Is it the fisherman, hopelessly ensnared by the Gulf he loves, or a prize fish that he’s reeling in? Perhaps, in the final analysis, it’s a little bit of both, as Fila once again blurs the lines between perception and reality.