LX Collection Tapped by Ceruzzi Properties to Create Buzz-Worthy Mural at New Pelli Clarke Pelli-Designed Luxury Condominium

New York, N.Y. – Global real estate platform LX Collection is pleased to unveil a stunning new ‘cityscape-inspired’ abstract mural at The Centrale created by world-renowned Scandinavian artist Tony "Rubin" Sjöman.

“The mural at The Centrale showcases colors that highlight a combination of two of my biggest inspirations: the dark Nordic landscape and the hectic cityscape,” said Sjöman. “This has been one of my favorite locations to paint because it is very unique, and perfectly showcases the juxtaposition between old and new.”

LX Collection proposed the concept of transforming the building’s second-floor terrace to create a completely new experience for residents and passers-by—and to generate additional awareness following the recent completion of the soaring 71-story Pelli Clarke Pelli-designed luxury condominium developed by Ceruzzi Properties at 138 East 50th Street.

Sjöman, an internationally acclaimed mural and studio artist, created a stunning 15’ x 30’ abstract mural for the property featuring geometric shapes in a muted color palette.

On one side of the mural, a tall, rounded column rises to the top, reminiscent of the art-deco curves of Sjöman’s favorite building’s crown. On the other, a pale circle balances on a gently sloped rectangle, calling to mind the sun rising over the buildings of 50th Street.

“When we first met Tony, he intuitively understood the contrast between The Centrale’s modern design in relation to the many of the historic properties that surround it,” says Gabrielle Healey, VP of marketing and sales at Ceruzzi. “The mural bridges the property to the surrounding neighborhood.”

Sjöman works entirely freehand, using neither stencils nor tape to create those perfectly straight lines and proportional circles. He credits the Finnish concept of ‘sisu,’ “a combination of perseverance and patience,” with this talent. But it was the gradient background of this design that proved to be most challenging for him.

“Tony presented us with many sketches, all within a similar palette, but this one particular design resonated with the whole team, and it turned out to be his favorite as well,” says Healey. “The flow of the geometric design is eye-catching and three-dimensional in nature. The left side of the image almost resembles The Centrale itself, and I think this is something that we all recognized and valued.”

With roots in Finland and Sweden, Sjöman’s work often draws from his upbringing around classic Finnish designers and the brutalist architecture of the town where he grew up, as well as the work of architects like Alvar Aalto and Eero Saarinen, who flawlessly married form and functionality.

“What I do, it’s not only about making something that looks nice; there’s also a functional part of it too,” explains Sjöman. “I transform spaces. I often hear what I do has a calming effect—something that’s much sought after in chaotic city life.”