Ancient River

The imagery in Ancient River by Natalie Flor Negron represents the artist’s Irish and Puerto Rican heritage. As she explains: “The main inspiration for this work is the power of ancient symbology. I’ve introduced the deities and symbols of my Irish and Puerto Rican heritage and combined them together. This particular character is based off of the leading Taino (Native Puerto Rican) god, Yocahu and the Celtic salmon. This piece is about transformation through nutrition and wisdom. My father Domingo Negrón, laid the groundwork for the re-birth of these wonderful characters by way of silkscreen more than 40 years ago and is a major influencer in my art today.” She presents these ancient symbols in hew ways for a younger generation. The mural was a temporary installation at The Fillmore music venue in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In November 2015, The Fillmore, a presenter of music venues throughout the country, announced a partnership with its Fishtown location and The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. The two organizations came together to create a program featuring a rotating mural on the exterior of The Fillmore, with plans to change it every 60 to 90 days. Located on Richmond Street just two blocks from the bustling center of Fishtown, murals were painted on the load-in/load-out shutter door that welcomes all of the artists who perform at the venue.

“Part of The Fillmore legacy that Bill Graham created was the grass roots poster culture and resulting psychedelic art form which was created during the late 60s and 70s. That spirit of creating unique art to promote and celebrate the acts performing has carried on for over 50 years. Partnering with Mural Arts is a natural extension for The Fillmore to welcome the acts that are performing with amazing street art and to connect with the community and support local and national artists,” says Jason Bray, General Manager of The Fillmore. Mural Arts Philadelphia oversaw the scheduling and coordinated with local and traveling artists.

Location Note: Mural no longer on view at this location (temporary project).