The Grandpa by Fumero

How appropriate that on a 4th of July weekend when we celebrate our independence and the ideals we value as Americans, that I would stumble upon this piece by Fumero. "The Grandfather" is a tribute to the hardworking, patriotic veterans and first generation immigrants who from the beginning have made America great, time and time again.
 

New York City 2016 || Photo by Katherine Gomez
The Grandfather by NYC based artists Fumero.

When I spotted this piece, my eyes immediately traveled to the writing:

My Grandpa spoke French, Italian, Spanish and English with a perfect New York Accent.

If the meaning behind the message isn't clear, let me explain. Our iconic and often mocked New York accent isn't a specific or repeatable recipe, but rather a dash, a pinch, and a sprinkle of all the ethnicities and languages that are found in each of the boroughs of NYC. Hard working immigrant families in search for the elusive "American Dream" have contributed, depending on their language, to the infusion of the accent. So, whatever version of English you hear on a NYC street, THAT is what a real New York accent sounds like. 

The eyes undoubtedly travel to the center of the mural, where it is difficult to ignore the aspects of traditional art the piece displays. Techniques taken from traditional art forms, like realism and abstraction have been incorporated to produce the intricate details of "The Grandfather." After all, Fumero has successfully bridged his street art style with the fine arts.  The portrait of Fumero's grandfather is a beautiful composition of color and shapes that gives the face life-like expression. 

If you are out and about, I hope you will make it a point to see this piece for yourself. It's a museum experience (FOR FREE) right on the corner of 2nd Avenue and E. Houston Street, on the side of the Avalon Chemist building wall.

Happy 4th of July!