All Photos By Gail (Mural on June 2, 2024, After Being Tagged)

Here today, gone tomorrow – that’s often the story with the street art in Freeman Alley. No one knows how long these murals, paste-ups, or stickers will last before they’re painted over or tagged into oblivion; it’s simply the nature of the beast. Such is the case with this beautifully surreal mural, which depicts a woman under an umbrella, sipping a martini while submerged up to her chest in what appears to be a flooded New York City.

I first spotted this mural last April while it was being put up by Argentinian muralist Martin Ron. By my next visit in early June, the scene had been completed, though it had already been tagged, as seen in the photo above. Despite this, you can still make out the key elements of the mural. Ron describes the work himself in the text below, translated from his native Spanish. This is Ron’s first mural in New York City, created in collaboration with Argentinian mixologists @presidentebar, located in Buenos Aires.

Enjoy!

This work speaks of the passage of time. The painting depicts a woman from another era, elegant and serene, amidst a flood that seems to consume the solid foundations of New York City. She, unshaken by the catastrophe, calmly enjoys her “Manhattan.” The vibrant red of this cocktail, also reflected in the freshness of her lips and the rose blooming in her heart, symbolizes endurance — what withstands the corrosion of time.

In the background, a heart-shaped balloon is swept away by the storm, while a withered rose sinks into the water. The yellow represented in these objects symbolizes the ephemeral — what doesn’t withstand the impact of changing trends, what wasn’t meant to be.

Artist Martin Ron Creating the Mural in Freeman Alley on April 25, 2024

This image invites us to reflect: What is a classic? A classic is a masterpiece that, despite the passage of time, remains valued and relevant. Its impact endures through generations, earning a place in culture and history.

In this sense, the Manhattan cocktail exemplifies this quality. Created in the 19th century, its refined recipe and timeless elegance continue to be appreciated today. Like great works of art, this cocktail reminds us that quality and excellence never go out of style, demonstrating how certain creations can transcend temporal boundaries and remain relevant in the contemporary world.

Cheers!

Follow Martin Ron on Instagram at @ronmuralist.