A memorial mural is being created by the Argentine street artists Medianeras for the architect Hernán Ferruchi, a victim of a suspected terrorist who drove a rented truck into a bike path in New York on 31 October 2017. The work will be unveiled later this month at Avenida Pellegrini 1568, a residential building Ferruchi was working on in the port city of Rosario—his hometown and the artists’—before he died.
Commissioned by Ferruchi’s employer, the construction company Fundar, the paint and mosaic mural features a series of Escher-like stairwells that seem to be suspended in mid-air—at once appearing and disappearing into the surrounding architecture. An exquisitely drawn hummingbird made from Venetian glass tiles that can be found along a lower edge of the mural was inspired by his widow’s story of repeatedly being visited by a hummingbird after Ferruchi death.
Medianeras's memorial mural in progress Courtesy of the artists
“As street artists, we believe public art does more than just beautify cities, it creates a shared space to bring individuals and communities together”, say Vanesa Galdeano and Anali Chanquia, the two artist who make up Medianeras, in a statement. “That is what we hope our mural will do for the family, friends and community of Hernán and Rosario.”
Ferruchi had been on a trip with friends from Rosario, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their high school graduation, when they were struck while cycling along the Hudson River. Five members of the group were among the eight people killed and 11 wounded during the attack. The driver of the truck, Sayfullo Saipov, has been charged with alleged terrorism by federal authorities and could face the death penalty.