An artwork by Venezuelan artist Carlos Cruz-Diez that decorated a crosswalk in Coral Gables, Florida, has been removed following a directive from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) banning public artwork with “social, political, or ideological messages.” The piece, titled *Induction Chromatique* (2017), featured colorful chevron patterns and was originally installed during Art Basel 2017. The city purchased the design for $180,000 and spent $18,000 annually on maintenance, but the crosswalks were painted over last month. The gallery, Ninoska Huerta Gallery, has called for dialogue about restoration or relocation.
The removal highlights growing tensions between public art and government regulation in Florida, as the FDOT’s broad policy could affect other artworks statewide. The Cruz-Diez piece was a rare example of a major artist’s work integrated into urban infrastructure, and its loss underscores challenges in maintaining public art after an artist’s death. The case also raises questions about the balance between artistic expression and state oversight, especially as Cruz-Diez’s *Chromosaturation* installation is set to open at the Pérez Art Museum Miami in October 2025.