Amen Street 

Dan Graziano's painting captures a street corner with an intriguing array of symbols. Dominating the facade of the shop are classical columns, reminiscent of ancient temples and symbols of stability and order. Consider how such columns appear in Renaissance architecture, echoing classical ideals, or even in modern bank buildings, projecting an image of enduring strength. The wheel sign is more ambiguous; it reminds us of the cycles of life and fortune. In alchemy, the wheel symbolized transformation, but here, its modern usage suggests a bicycle repair shop, a more mundane form of progress. These elements come together to create a scene that engages the viewer on a subconscious level. The classical order evokes a sense of timelessness, while the practical wheel suggests everyday human endeavors. This combination of tradition and modernity reflects our collective memory, revealing how symbols evolve yet remain powerful. It’s a cycle of visual language that speaks to our shared human experience, and our eternal negotiation between past and present.