Bronx graffiti artist pays tribute to late mothers with Castle Hill mural

Graffiti artist Tony Cruz says art is his form of therapy that helped him heal after the death of his mother and grandmother.

News 12 Staff

May 14, 2023, 5:23 PM

Updated 535 days ago

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A Bronx graffiti artist used his talents this Mother's Day to pay tribute to all the mothers in the borough that have passed on.
Tony Cruz said art is his form of therapy that helped him heal after the death of his mother and grandmother.
"I use art as therapy to help others deal with depression, feelings to take anger, grief, loss and turn it into a positive expression," Cruz said.
His new mural on the corner of Castle Hill Avenue honors mother figures that neighbors in the borough have lost. His work aims to bridge the gap between grief and healing.
"Mother's Day, for me is... instead of being happy, it makes me sad, but I know God gives me strength," resident Evelyn Cruz said. She explained that losing her mother was her biggest heartbreak, so it's important for people to honor their mothers while they can.
"To people that have their mothers, love them because people like me can't say, 'Mom, I love you,' because she's not here," she added.