MIAMI – Chances are, most people watching the MTV Video Music Awards were paying attention to the music and the antics of the performers. But the colorful, animated artwork playing on the walls behind the performers also captured the attention of viewers. And it turns out, there is a Miami connection to it.
With the help of an animator, the psychedelic designs were created by Miami-born artist Jen Stark.
Local 10 News first interviewed Stark after she completed a similarly designed mural at Miami International Airport outside Concourse E.
Stark said her unusual and colorful style got the attention of the frontman for the Flaming Lips, Wayne Coyne, who introduced her to singer Miley Cyrus. Stark said the two became friends.
"She's, like, such a fun person," Stark said. "She's so free. She's a really cool girl."
Cyrus apparently liked Stark's art, and so did MTV. Starks was soon asked to help design a drippy, trippy MTV logo for the awards show, a promotional video for Times Square and the stage designs for the VMA show.
"Pretty amazing. So crazy. Miley was just so excited to slide down the wormhole, and, like a surreal, surreal dream," Stark said.
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