A long-awaited transformation has reinvigorated the prominent roundabout at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).

Matthew McCarthy, a name synonymous with vibrant public art in Jamaica, has left his indelible mark, gracing the roundabout with a captivating mural.  As the artist commissioned to revamp the notable Kingston airport landmark, McCarthy has not only created a visually stunning masterpiece but also a heartfelt welcome to all who enter or depart the island via the capital city’s gateway.

The signature mural follows an open call in February 2025 by PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), a subsidiary of Grupo Aeroportuario Del Pacifico (GAP) and operator of the NMIA, for the project that would transform the roundabout into a cultural landmark. 

Kingston Creative, PACKAL’s management partner for the project, later announced the selected submission from the list of ten shortlisted designs, and the stunning mural was completed this month.

McCarthy’s journey as an artist is deeply rooted in his commitment to community upliftment and storytelling through public murals. 

“My career as a muralist has allowed me to form long-lasting connections with various community spaces, aiming to use public murals as a tool for community uplifting and storytelling,” shares the Kingston-based muralist and multi-media installation artist who honed his craft at The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

His work is heavily influenced by the rich musical culture and history of Jamaica, particularly vintage reggae and dancehall. This appreciation for the island’s significant art forms provides a touchpoint for expressing messages in a style familiar to his home. His global exhibitions and his 2019 Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence attest to his commitment to continuing the legacy of powerful Jamaican storytellers and artists.

The NMIA Flag roundabout art mural is a warm embrace with McCarthy’s winning design highlighting Jamaica’s natural beauty and indomitable human spirit. 

“The intention was to warmly welcome those entering the country, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the culture that some may be returning to,” he explains.

For the design, McCarthy found inspiration in the very essence of the airport: air traffic.  “The NMIA aspect of the design is inspired by the natural air traffic in the sky,” he reveals.  “Just as airplanes travel to various countries, this piece captures a snapshot of both endemic and migratory bird species as they land and take flight.” The birds, seemingly resting on the angles of the letters, create a dynamic visual experience as visitors circle the roundabout, appearing and disappearing with movement.

The Kingston design, on the other hand, is steeped in nostalgia, with each letter embodying a Jamaican spirit: K for kingly, I for instrumental, N for negritude, G for gold, S for sync, T for tenacious, O for “outdeh”, and N for natural.  This piece aims to evoke a deep connection for returning residents and offer a sense of discovery for new visitors.

McCarthy’s motivation to participate in the NMIA Flag Roundabout Art Monument Project Open Call was simple yet profound.  “I try to keep developing ideas regardless of whether I have a place to put them.  In this case, it was definitely a matter of opportunity meeting preparedness,” he shares.  Having long harboured a desire to create a piece focused on Jamaican birds, this project was a welcome chance to bring that vision to life.

Upon hearing the news of his selection, McCarthy’s excitement was palpable.  “I was genuinely excited about the opportunity, and I’m really thankful to Kingston Creative for reaching out to let me know about it,” he recalls with a laugh.  “It made me realise that sometimes it’s worth submitting to open calls because you really never know what might come of it.”

Bringing a large-scale mural to life is a collaborative effort, and McCarthy assembled a talented team including Suzanna Missenburger, Joshua Solas, Kokab ZD, and TajFrancis as supporting artists, with Travis ‘Habibi’ Bailey and Dean Sutherland providing production support. The collaborative process with PACKAL and Kingston Creative was seamless, allowing McCarthy the space to fully realise his artistic vision.  “It was really rewarding to get real-time responses and see how people were engaging with the work,” he says, recalling motorists shouting encouragement.

Challenges, though few, were met with resourcefulness. Working in a tight space with constant traffic presented its own set of hurdles, leading to a humorous anecdote about unfortunate motorists receiving tickets for stopping to admire the art.  The unpredictable Jamaican weather also tested their resolve. A torrential downpour that lasted for days forced the team to adjust their schedule, starting earlier to beat the rain.  Fortunately, the oil paint, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, proved resilient. 

“Oil paint was the best option to ensure long-term adhesion,” McCarthy explains as he expressed confidence that the colours will remain vibrant and endure the elements.

McCarthy hopes that the NMIA Flag Roundabout mural will spark an emotional response, further inspiring more public artworks across the corporate area. He vividly remembers the real-time connection with people, a favourite aspect of painting outdoors. 

“It was also a clear indication that the work was appreciated,” he adds.

For those arriving, he hopes the mural greets them with “a vibrant burst of colour and nostalgia,” encouraging visitors to pause and capture memorable photos.  For those departing, he envisions it as “a last reminder of the beauty of the island,” a “lasting dovetail” before they take flight.

Ultimately, McCarthy believes this project is great for enhancing cultural pride.  “I believe this project is a fantastic way to galvanise pride in our culture – not just for visitors, but also for locals who aren’t travelling; whether they’re taking a walk along the Palisadoes Strip or picking up a loved one. I truly hope Jamaicans embrace it with pride.” 

For him, the project is a continuation of a decades-long plan to make Jamaica’s port of entry uniquely its own and welcoming for all. 

With a shout-out to his supportive parents, Robert and Teri Thomas, Matthew continues to paint the vibrant soul of Jamaica, leaving a legacy of beauty and cultural pride for generations to come.