Honoring the Ancestor

Honoring the Ancestry by Diego Romero is a portrait of the artist’s grandfather. Romero’s work and design is inspired by the Huichol people of Mexico – those who honor the connection between nature and their ancestors. 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,” said Jason Bray, General Manager of The Fillmore. Mural Arts Philadelphia oversaw the scheduling and coordinated with local and traveling artists.