​

I’m thrilled to be able to finally unveil a project that I worked on during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

 

This was by far one of the edgiest pieces I’ve had the opportunity to paint. The raw and gritty aesthetic of this stairwell mural project creates an immersive art experience that stands in direct contrast to the polished fine dining atmosphere of the restaurant itself.

 

In keeping with Acquafarina’s Sicilian-inspired menu and ambiance, the stairwell murals reflect images of well-known cultural and historical icons who have hailed from Italy.

 

I was very pleased to have had the chance to paint Lucky Luciano, an Italian-born gangster who operated mainly in the US, and was the first official mafia boss of the modern Genovese crime family.  He had long been considered the father of modern organized crime.  The color scheme of this entire mural reflects the traditional colors of the Italian flag, while also creating the essence of a sketchy, graffiti-laden tunnel that you might find in the underworld of any major city.

 

As an artist, the research and design process behind capturing Lucky’s essence in this mural was an incredibly dynamic and rewarding experience.  The full panoramic stairwell pieces can now be seen within the stairwell of Acquafarina, located at 425 W. Georgia, Vancouver.