“MURAL FOR MY FATHER"
by El Mac
Largely overlooked until recently, as with so many fine female artists, in 1650 Flemish painter Michaelina Wautier painted a dramatic portrait of Saint Joseph that now hangs in Vienna. The patron saint of Belgium, Joseph is also the protector of fathers, expectant mothers, families, workers, and immigrants, usually depicted holding white lilies as a symbol of purity. Participating in Antwerp's 2018 commemoration of Barque art and Rubens' contributions to the city, Los Angeles artist Miles MacGregor, aka El Mac, said this work on Gramayestraat had special significance for him. "I've painted so many symbolist pieces honoring mothers" he said, but this adaptation of the Wautier painting is modeled after his own father. Fortunate to "have a kind, loving, intelligent, hard-working father" El Mac says this mural was produced with love for him and is dedicated to good fathers everywhere. @mac_arte/